India, July 5 -- For the residents of Jivabhai Chawl in Kurla, Saturday's torrential rain brought their worst nightmare to life once again. As the downpour intensified, families watched helplessly as murky floodwater slowly seeped into their homes, flooding floors, furniture and every dry corner in sight.

Inside the low-lying chawl, there was little anyone could do except wait and watch the water rise.

For 64-year-old Sunil Joshi, who has lived in the chawl since birth, the arrival of the monsoon no longer brings relief from the summer heat- it brings dread. Sitting on his bed, he kept a close eye on the few inches separating the rising water from his mattress.

"People wait for the monsoon and enjoy it. We only fear it," he says. "Ther...