CATASTROPHIC MONSOON
There used to be time when people in the region discussed floods in the gigantic plains of the country and in north eastern parts of India but lately the climatic conditions have changed either due to global warming or some other factors as flash floods have become a regular feature in J&K and even Ladakh region leading to massive devastation with regard to life and property. Considering the Monsoon rains till date this year the situation is grim in Jammu and Kashmir as every spell of rain has brought misery in the form of catastrophe. Take the case of ongoing spell of the rain, already four persons including a Research Scholar of Central University and a minor girl reportedly have lost lives as the heavy downpour continues in many parts. The rains this year have broken record of last many years as reports are suggesting that the Temple City has not witnessed such heavy rainfall in the last over 25 years. As the rainy season is still on there is dire need that people should play safe and avoid blaming the government for everything because government has done a lot for the people and is continuing to do so but the record breaking rains and uncontrolled urbanization, which has become the need of the present times, have led to certain problems and often complicate things during such climatic conditions. It is always good that people should follow simple rules during heavy rains for remaining safe. As per MeT department the heavy rainfall in Jammu has broken the record of last 26 years. It is always advisable not to come into close proximity of water bodies during the monsoon season and if it is unavoidable then at least people should have a glance at the weather forecast because no work or responsibility is more important than precious human life. These days everyone has a smart phone in their possession and all these silicon devices are equipped with weather forecast applications which are most of the time accurate. Therefore people living or dwelling near water bodies should take help of these modern day ‘Avatars’ to know in advance the mood of clouds, etc. There is also no need to go for a misadventure by driving vehicles in swelled rivers or Nallahs or trying to cross the mighty water bodies as the water currents during monsoon rains are ravaging and it is always better to remain at a safe distance.