Come hell or high water!

"It is the most terrific event I have covered. The city you live in, our home, it was saddening to go through the havoc while breaking the news all week long," says Jeetendra Dixit, one of the most active reporters who covered the rain debacle for Star News. A crime reporter by routine, Jeetendra describes the experience as something he will never forget. "We tried to reach areas like Kalina and Ulhasnagar where neither the government nor other media's could reach. We saw people suffering, wanted to help them so bad, but couldn't do much because at the end of the day we have a job to fulfill. I made it a point to inform whatever authorities possible so that they could reach out and help those affected."

Another reporter who spent four days covering the rains non-stop

Just an umbrella to shield from the torrential rains!

says she is bone-tired, but when out in the field, things were so hectic that "I couldn't even stop and think of what was happening around me."

Shishir Joshi, bureau head for Aaj Tak again cites the same perspective as he shares his experience covering the wreckage the rains have caused. "Our objective throughout the entire news reports has been to show the suffering the city has had to bear with. The damage has been so vast that it is impossible to cover it completely. For a reporter maintaining objectivity is the most important thing and that's what we've been trying to keep up to." He goes on to say that it is essential to highlight the problems faced and provide solutions for them at the same time. "We have faced so many problems in getting the news out. One of our branch offices was completely flooded with no electricity and water. Using the generators to dry our clothes and cell phone display's as illumination we kept delivering the news." he adds.

Sahara Samay's bureau head in Mumbai, Rajeev Bajaj comments, "The objective in breaking the news has just not been highlighting the crisis the city was facing. We also tried to bring out a positive side, showcasing how the floods had brought the city closer. Yes, the government has been bombarded by all Medias but at the same time local policemen and fire brigades have been working incessantly in rescue and relief operations."
"Calamities occur but it is a good reporter's job to overcome the barriers and bring out a point of view. There can always be a different perspective on the same story. It is essential to respect both sides of a situation. The police and other local authorities though part of the same system which is flawed, but still went on with their duty. So why should we stop?"

Airborne for an aerial view!

"I made it a point to stop my car and talk to people when the stampede happened. While my team was covering, I was speaking to people, telling them that it's safe and they should go home" points out Shishir.

"At the same time, these news updates cause panic for people. A policy is required where news channels reset their agenda during such emergency situations. It's more important to cover a S.T. stand or a railway station, than find out which celebrity has managed to make it to city after the numerous flight delays" says another reporter, wishing anonymity.

The news is required; people need to know if certain areas where their family members and loved ones are stranded are safe or no. These times are challenging and test a reporter's skill. Through the floods, the trauma and tiring times, Mumbai's reporters push on and bring the best they can offer. Here's a cheer to them!