The last few days have produced an unmistakable tension that hung over Jammu and Kashmir. All night rain and storm warning weather reports made the atmosphere of waiting and wonder one of uneasiness.
As communities held their breath, they all saw rivers swell and streams encroach, thrilling their riled instincts brought forth by nature’s challenges. But today, we all breathe a sigh of collective-relief. The unease has concluded, not in the unfolding of disaster, earlier, today, or even tomorrow, now in the closure of the waters.
The news from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department now offers the update we all wished for – the levels in almost all rivers, including the Jhelum, and its tributaries, are now showing significant reductions, safely below the danger mark at many of the provincial measuring stations.
While it seems clear the immediate state of threat is seriously lifted – temporarily or longer remains to be seen.
The administration’s rapid response strength in mobilizing the State Disaster Response Force (or SDRF teams), establishing emergency shelters, and regularly communicating with everyone had a clear role in ensuring everyone was as ready as they could be.
The unsung heroes in this chapter are the people of Jammu and Kashmir, beyond the official machinery.
Be it citizens fortifying levees, or communities supporting at-risk neighbours, there was no shortage of wonderfully inspiring instances of solidarity.
The citizens were instrumental in transferring panic into a return to order, responsible actions and vigilance enabled a coordinated response to free flying embers.
While we will soon start to think about returning to “normal”, we have this crucial window to reflect and learn. This event has reinforced the need for continued investment in resilient flood management infrastructure, sustainable urban development, and up to date early warning systems.
The outcomes realised from a potentially catastrophic event demonstrate the worth of recovery investments, that can save lives, and protect livelihoods in return with unmeasurable benefits.
A special thank you to on the ground officials, first responders in case they were needed, and another community that showed a terrific amount of positivity in what can only be described as a challenging time.
