Monsoon Cloudburst: Sharma’s Family Story & Safety Tips

Sharma's Family During a Monsoon Cloudburst

It was mid-July, and the metro city eagerly awaited the wet monsoon rains. For days, the skies had been heavy with clouds, and when the first showers came, people welcomed them with joy. But no one expected the sudden cloudburst that would test the courage of the Sharma family.

The Sharmas lived in a modest five-floor apartment on the third floor of an old building near the river. Rajesh Sharma, a schoolteacher, had just returned home when the sky darkened and rain fell in sheets, louder and fiercer than usual. His wife Sunita was cooking, while their children—eleven-year-old Meera and eight-year-old Karan—were enjoying their holiday evening.

“This isn’t normal rain,” Rajesh said, drenched from his walk home. “The news warned of heavy showers, but this looks like a cloudburst.”

Within minutes, water filled the streets. Cars floated helplessly, and bikes disappeared under the flood. The family watched in disbelief from their balcony, but Rajesh quickly gathered them inside. Soon, the power went out, leaving their home in darkness.

The Sharmas had always been careful during monsoons, keeping an emergency kit ready. Sunita hurriedly checked their supplies—torches, emergency medicines, nutritious biscuits, and filtered bottled water. Outside, neighbors shouted for help as the watchman waded through chest-high water, warning everyone not to step out.

By midnight, the situation grew worse. News spread that the nearby river had overflowed. Meera whispered, “Mummy, what if the water reaches us?” Sunita hugged her, trying to stay calm. Rajesh reassured them, “We are on the third floor. We’ll be safe, anyhow; we must stay alert.”

All night, the rain hammered down. By morning, the streets looked like rivers. Ground-floor homes were destroyed, shops were flooded, and the smell of garbage mixed with dirty water filled the air. With no electricity, no fresh food, and limited clean water, the Sharmas had to rely on their stored supplies. Rajesh boiled every drop of water they used, knowing how dangerous infections could be.

Days passed slowly. Relief workers arrived in boats, handing out rice, pulses, and medicines. Little Karan waved excitedly when they came, while Meera silently watched her neighbors’ losses. She sketched everything in her notebook—the submerged playground, the ruined shops, and the tears of families who had lost everything.

Finally, as the heavy downpour eased and the waters receded, the metro city began to come to life. Roads were damaged, and schools remained closed, but the Sharmas were safe. One evening, while eating a simple hot meal, Rajesh told his children, “Nature is powerful. We can’t control it, but we can always be prepared. That’s how we survive.”

Sunita added softly, “We must also help those who lost their homes. We were fortunate.”

Meera closed her sketchbook and said, “I’ll draw this story so nobody forgets.”

That cloudburst became not just a night of survival for the Sharma family but a lasting lesson in resilience, preparedness, and hope.

Their experience highlights how timely precautions before and after such disasters can make the difference between chaos and safety, reminding us that awareness is the first step towards true protection.

Top 10 Precautions for Cloudbursts & Monsoon Safety

During monsoon cloudbursts, safety depends on quick action and preparedness. From protecting homes and storing essentials to staying alert outdoors, following the right precautions can save lives and minimize damage during heavy rains and floods.

1. Check and clear rooftop outlets and drainage systems to prevent waterlogging inside your home during sudden heavy rain.

2. Keep digital and physical copies of important documents safe and store backups in waterproof or cloud storage.

3. Prepare a waterproof emergency kit with a flashlight, medicines, food, a power bank, and first-aid essentials.

4. Avoid traveling through underpasses, low-lying areas, and flooded streets as water levels can rise unexpectedly.

5. Stay away from electric poles, live wires, and transformers since water can easily conduct electricity.

6. Move to higher ground immediately if trapped outdoors instead of sheltering under trees or temporary structures.

7. Teach children basic safety drills and ensure they know emergency contact numbers during emergencies.

8. Boil or filter all drinking water to prevent outbreaks of waterborne diseases after flooding.

9 Dry, disinfect, and clean all household items quickly to avoid mold, insects, and infections.

10. Keep insurance papers and disaster-relief helpline numbers accessible for quick assistance and recovery.

Table: Precautions for Monsoon Cloudbursts — Before, During & After

The following table highlights key precautions for monsoon cloudbursts categorized into what you should do before, during, and after heavy rains to ensure safety, preparedness, and protection for yourself and your family.

Category	Key Precautions
Before Cloudburst	Clear drains and rooftops Keep an emergency kit ready Store papers in waterproof bags Shift valuables to higher shelves Plan safe family evacuation
During  Cloudburst	Avoid flooded streets and underpasses Stay away from wires and poles Move quickly to higher ground Use stored food and water Keep kids and elders indoors
After  Cloudburst	Boil or filter all drinking water Disinfect and dry damp items Check the electric lines before use Click photos for insurance claim Help neighbors in recovery

Conclusion

In conclusion, cloudbursts and monsoon rains can be unpredictable, but by following these simple yet life-saving precautions, you can greatly reduce risks. Preparing your home with drainage checks, waterproof storage, and emergency kits ensures safety before the rains. Staying alert and avoiding flooded areas or electrical hazards is critical during the downpour. Finally, taking hygiene measures, disinfecting belongings, and keeping documents ready for claims provides stability after the storm. Remember, precaution is protection, and timely awareness not only safeguards your family but also strengthens your ability to recover quickly and confidently from nature’s challenges.