Rain Fury
The floods have wrecked a total chaos in the small state of Kerala in the southern tip of India.
Rains in Kerala during monsoon is not a big news as such.
But this year it has been much in excess. The Malayalam month of Karkidagam used
to be a dreaded month in yester years owing to incessant rain and virtually halting
the agricultural activities which used to be a main source of livelihood for many then.
Of late this month has given a new look with careful marketing strategies as the
Ramayana month and also the month to undergo Ayurvedic treatments which is one
of the state’s major attraction.
I am recollecting my memories during the times of flood and
cyclone destruction in Chennai. I remember praying at those stormy nights for
the rain to end, so that our home wouldn’t be flooded. Those lightnings to calm so as to it wouldn’t strike
the trees surrounding our homes. Chennai has had its share of bad weather.
Suddenly things come down to the basics, No electricity, no phone
communications (this was the pre-cell phone era where landlines was the
only phone that existed) All we would have would be our battery operated Radio’s
to get any weather updates and information. We just have
to waited it out, till the storm passes. Scrambling for essentials would
suddenly become the biggest priority, things like milk, vegetables would become a scarcity.
Finding fresh drinking water would become a challenge too as all sources of
water either don’t work or are contaminated.
I have never lived in a long stretch in the state though my
native roots belong to the state. My identity and culture belongs to the state.
I have always had this strong bond and connection with Kerala. It pains to
watch such destruction which is for the first time in my life span to ever occur.
Kerala has always been synonymous with lush green locale and a moist tropical
paradise. Tourism is one major source of income to the state and it should be, as nature has blessed the state immensely with the natural resources. People have
a way of life around those monsoon days which are long and continuous spells of
rain for days on end. No other state would be so perfectly adapted and in harmony
with nature. In fact I am yet to see a Keralite who shuns rain. But all this
has changed due to this year’ s flood situation and has led to all praying for
the rain to end. Rapid deforestation, unscrupulous growth of cities in recent
times, climate change can all be factors for such a destruction. But the situation looks serious and threatening at
the moment, with more rains predicted in the coming days. As relief work is
pouring in from all ends. Kerala is going to need help from all corners to rebuild
the state from this large devastation.
I am recollecting my memories during the times of flood and
cyclone destruction in Chennai. I remember praying at those stormy nights for
the rain to end, so that our home wouldn’t be flooded. Those lightnings to calm so as to it wouldn’t strike
the trees surrounding our homes. Chennai has had its share of bad weather.
Suddenly things come down to the basics, No electricity, no phone
communications (this was the pre-cell phone era where landlines was the
only phone that existed) All we would have would be our battery operated Radio’s
to get any weather updates and information. We just have
to waited it out, till the storm passes. Scrambling for essentials would
suddenly become the biggest priority, things like milk, vegetables would become a scarcity.
Finding fresh drinking water would become a challenge too as all sources of
water either don’t work or are contaminated.
It is also during these times humanity takes the highest
precedence. People come together to face the nature’s wrath in spite of all
their differences. People value what is most important, which is their lives and
lives of their fellow beings. Road to recovery is long, but what lingers around
is the work of rescue officers and the good Samaritans who contribute in any way to help. They are the true hero's
who with their gestures reinforces that "Life will Prevail". Please do your bit, please pray for the people of Kerala and generously donate to the CM’s fund
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