Recent urban flooding in Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Surat became a key point of discussion at the BRICS Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction in New Delhi. The talks brought attention to the pressure that heavy rainfall and rapid urbanisation can place on major cities, especially when drainage systems and emergency planning are tested.
At the meeting, India presented its approach to urban flood mitigation and preparedness. The focus was on how cities can improve readiness, reduce damage and respond more effectively when intense weather events disrupt transport, housing and public services.
The discussions also reflected a broader concern among BRICS countries about climate-related risks in urban areas. Flooding in large and fast-growing cities is increasingly being treated not only as a local infrastructure challenge, but also as a wider disaster management issue that requires planning, coordination and resilience measures.
By highlighting the recent flooding in western Indian cities, the New Delhi meeting underlined the need for stronger urban disaster risk reduction strategies. It also showed how recent events are shaping policy conversations on preparedness, mitigation and climate resilience across BRICS members.
