Shoaib Shah
The uneasy calm and the deep silence associated with these dark nights together coupled with the stagnant flood water is prevailing outside. In the open-air, the pitch of the blowing whistles is gradually increasing and so does the restlessness of the hearts. The echoes of the conversation of the people is resonating in the area and I could make it out that the people are asking for tiny things ranging from few candles to eatables and of course the much needed help. Few other people can be seen over the rooftops and the balconies trying to keep a vigil on their houses that are no more tamper-proof, bolted. Inside, the scene is even more horrible. Apprehensions, inaccessible network, energy efficient gadgets are powerless and taps that are running dry. However only one thing that has not yet left the people caught up in the floods is the hope that tomorrow the water level would have receded by another few inches and that tomorrow they can see more part of their fence that has already turned murky and that the windows panes would be no more submerged in the dirty waters.
Patience has been a key for all the eyes that had a continuous vision of the water, right from the very instant it started to appear in their lawns and then its journey as it made a speeding progress to reach the ceiling of the first floor (roofs in some areas) in mere 5 hours and then the slow journey backward which has not yet come to an end even after a span of 15 long days and nights of wait. For me the sight was first interesting to be watched, but my patience has given up and I can no longer see the journey backwards. My head is spinning and I cannot make an appreciable difference by which the water has been receded.
I prefer to take a nap, again, instead. Imagining being in a houseboat is what I try to keep my heart occupied with. Water, water and water just water everywhere, as far as the eye can see and water which cannot be consumed for drinking. Up above the rooftops are few helicopters hovering here and there. I guess they are still yet thinking where to start from? These army owned helicopters and some Government’s as well, have successfully done jobs, apart from giving much needed relief, But I, like many others who are waving them for help, and anticipate that our turn to be rescued has come. But as the helicopter buzzes and moves ahead, the hearts are consoled that our turn has not yet arrived and that certain areas that are more inundated needed more attention and priority.
The sight of such incidents continue till its dark. The evening passes in this wait and watch till it’s morning again and a fresh birth of hope has been born. Although the breakfast is not up-to date and there is no variety but a strong tea cup has put life back to the challenges of the day and the floods. A sight at the water in the corridors and staircase has shown a very little downfall and the disappointment again marks the day. The water level of other adjoining areas is unknown, thanks to the non functional cellular network. The day starts with silence prevailing in the streets. Neighbours are seen enquiring the safety of each other’s families and the tale of the events of the night. People no longer can be seen in their ground and first floors.
The once decorative drawing rooms are swollen with flood waters and respite is too far from the scene. The rescue operations by the Government agencies are nowhere in the sight, leaving people in a lurch. Few so called self-made boats with young men atop can be seen struggling with the waters in a race to maintain balance and keep these boats floating over the water. Again the helicopters hover over the vast skies, flying low but again fruitless for the trapped unfortunate people. No one can be seen to be approached for help. In such conditions the people who have been caught up in the floods are suffering. Meager food and water and whatever left in the top stories of the houses are being shared by the families in the neighborhood and I fear that this is not going to sustain for long.
Natural disasters such as the one that we face are definitely a warning from Almighty to the people to refrain from the ruthless sins that we are committing. One should expect such calamities as long as he/she is aware of the wrongs he/she has done. The aftermath of the floods and the conditions there in, such as the ones that we are going through, are very challenging.
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