Prevent 2024-like deluge

As Jammu and Kashmir faces yet another spell of relentless rain and rising water levels, painful memories of the 2014 floods come rushing back. That year, the region witnessed one of the worst natural disasters in its history in which lives were lost, homes destroyed, infrastructure paralyzed and a city brought to its knees. After 11 years, we find ourselves once again on the edge of a crisis. But unlike 2014, we now have the benefit of hindsight and with that comes responsibility. This is a moment for urgent and decisive action. The current flood threat must not be allowed to spiral into a full-blown disaster. Authorities must act swiftly to strengthen embankments, clear blocked drainage channels, and evacuate people from vulnerable zones without delay. Early warning systems should be fully activated, and public communication must be clear, consistent, and accessible — especially in remote and low-lying areas. Rescue and relief forces should be pre-positioned and not deployed after the damage is done. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local administration must work in tight coordination to ensure readiness on all fronts. Time lost now could mean lives lost tomorrow. The 2014 catastrophe exposed serious gaps in disaster preparedness, urban planning, and crisis management. Despite repeated promises and policy drafts over the years, progress on ground has been uneven and at times painfully slow. Drainage systems remain clogged, riverbeds encroached, wetlands destroyed, and warning mechanisms underutilized. These shortcomings must not be allowed to repeat in 2025. This is also a test of leadership, not only for government authorities but also for civil society, local communities and media. While the administration must deliver on its duty, citizens, too, must play their part: by staying alert, avoiding risky behavior, and assisting neighbors in need. In a crisis, collective responsibility becomes our greatest strength.