Act before next downpour

While the flood threat is over in Jammu and Kashmir, another spell of rainfall is awaiting the region as the weatherman here has predicted a spell of light to moderate rainfall at scattered to fairly widespread places with possibility of moderate to heavy rain and thundershower at few districts of Jammu division for the next four days. The forecast of yet another wet spell in Jammu & Kashmir comes at a time when the region is still recovering from the aftermath of heavy rainfall that triggered flood-like conditions earlier this month. With memories of waterlogged streets, disrupted livelihoods and anxious citizens still fresh, this warning from the weatherman must not be taken lightly. Nature has sounded the alarm again. This is not just a matter of weather but of preparedness. While rainfall is a natural phenomenon, flooding is often a man-made disaster, made worse by poor drainage, haphazard urban planning, and slow response systems. The need of the hour is not just to monitor rainfall, but to take elaborate, proactive measures that can prevent a repeat of the recent chaos. Authorities must ensure that emergency services are on alert, flood-prone zones are monitored round-the-clock and most importantly essential supplies like food, fuel, medicine are stocked in adequate quantities, especially in Kashmir Valley, where access often gets cut off during inclement weather. The public too has a role to play. They must stay informed, follow advisories and cooperate with disaster management agencies. But it is ultimately the administration’s responsibility to lead from the front, not with statements after damage is done, but with visible action before crisis strikes. Kashmir cannot afford another wake-up call. The time to prepare is now.