India is full of various classes and divisions but the beauty of the country is that in times of need , everyone stands united as one. Indian history has seen the highest highs as well as the lowest lows. But the tragic times have brought the countrymen closer to each other. We have helped each other out and emerged from the situation stronger than ever before. Such events become headlines, many lose loved ones but what stays is humanity, which overcomes all odds. Here are 10 tragedies that struck India but helped us stick together and we only came out stronger.

9. Odisha Super cyclone, 1999

Odisha witnessed massive destruction in the form of a cyclone which originated about 550 kms east of the Andaman Islands. Unofficial figures reported as many as 50,000 fatalities. Around 1,500 children were orphaned and 16,50,086 houses were damaged. The cyclone's speed was so high that the device used for measuring wind speed, the anemometer, failed to record it!

Indian Red Cross Society and BAPS Charities took the rescue work upon their shoulders and swung into action as soon as the news of the disaster spread. Such was the effect of the disaster that relief work went on for more than a year. Around 2,500 volunteers reached the cyclone-torn state. BAPS Charities also cremated around 700 bodies because the locals were superstitious about touching strangers' dead bodies. Not only this, three villages were adopted by the organisation and they even rebuilt some villages, the work for which was finally completed 2 and a half years after the cyclone hit.

10. Mumbai Floods, 2005

Rain, the one thing that Mumbai nagariya loves the most, gave people sleepless nights this time around. The floods were caused by 24-hour rainfall recorded at 994 mm. It continued for the next 3 days and left thousands stranded and homeless. The government and locals took no time to get into action and the city soon restored to normality. People were evacuated through boats and buses, and given shelter in public buildings. The government also provided free food grains and over 25,000 people were given relief. The floods highlighted the spirit that Mumbai has always been known for – that of helping others.