As the skies remain open and waters rise, the Jhelum, Chenab and Tawi rivers have risen, some roads are underwater and normal daily living functions have again been suspended. In nature’s moments of tremendous power, our best asset is not only our resilience but our collective nature and caring for one another.
The current flood like situation is an insistent reminder of those forces of nature and karma we have no control over.
But, it is also a powerfully defining moment for us as a community, characterized by earnest relationships, courage and determination to ensure the well-being of all members of our society.
In that process, the greatest act each one of us can make, which is also the most simplistic, is to keep us and our loved ones safe, by remaining in a “safe” location.
While our government and disaster management agencies are actively working to monitor water levels, conducting rescues, and issuing critical advisories; and they work non-stop; advisories that are not ‘advisory’ but, a life buoy of current data, experience, and commitment to the welfare of each citizen.
When an advisory asks residents from low-lying areas to leave and travel to higher ground, they are asking you to do so to prevent a tragedy.
Every direction is simply a string in a bigger net of security meant to catch us all.
We have witnessed our administration, NDRF, local police and many other personnel perform heroic acts, often at risk to themselves, to reach those in distressing conditions.
The best way we can honour their guts and help their purpose is to simplify their job. Each of us starts with the premise that we will obey what was issued in the advisory. Thus, their extraordinary work is made easier, even if it means they can spend more time on those who need it the most.
In this case, acting as informed citizens means following the advisories through official channels, such as the Jammu & Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (JK SDMA) and avoiding the spread of unchecked social media communications. Accurate information in a crisis is as important as food and water.
To the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, your patience and cooperation is a superpower. A temporary phase gives us an opportunity. The water will decline, and the sun will shine again on our beautiful city. Shops and schools will reopen, and the city will return to its familiar rhythm.
