A video showing a Zomato delivery agent wading through waist-deep floodwaters in Ahmedabad to deliver food has gone viral, leaving many viewers both disheartened and outraged. The footage has sparked a widespread discussion on social media about whether food delivery services should operate during severe weather conditions and natural disasters.
The video, originally shared by CA Vikunj Shah and later reposted by investor Neetu Khandelwal on X (formerly Twitter), has garnered over 3.2 lakh views and counting. In her post, Khandelwal urged Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal to recognize the delivery agent’s dedication and reward him appropriately for his perseverance.
Zomato delivering food in Ahmedabad amidst extremely heavy rains.
I request @deepigoyal to find this hardworking delivery person and appropriately reward him for his dedication and determination. #Zomato #AhmedabadRains #GujaratRains pic.twitter.com/RQ5TsbpTSL
— Neetu Khandelwal (@T_Investor_) August 28, 2024
While some users praised the delivery agent’s commitment, many expressed anger towards the customer who placed an order during such hazardous conditions. “Who is that intelligent person who ordered food in these testing times? Need to find that person,” one user commented. Another wrote, “Services need to be turned off in this kind of situation.”
The incident has led to calls for greater responsibility from both customers and delivery platforms. Several users suggested that Zomato should temporarily suspend services during extreme weather events to avoid putting employees at risk. “Zomato should be sued. Putting company employees in danger in such natural calamities ~ such services should be closed,” one user demanded. Others suggested that the customer who ordered the food should be penalized, unless they were in an emergency situation.
The viral video comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings about Cyclone ‘Asna,’ a deep depression over the Arabian Sea that has been causing heavy rains across Gujarat. The downpour has led to flood-like conditions in various parts of the state, including the swelling of the Vishwamitra River, which is home to over 300 crocodiles. Social media has been flooded with alarming visuals of crocodiles navigating residential areas, adding another layer of danger to the ongoing natural calamity.
As the debate continues online, the incident highlights the need for delivery platforms like Zomato to prioritize the safety of their workers during extreme weather conditions, and for customers to exercise caution and empathy during such times.
