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A Ray of Hope

Since the past fortnight, TV screens and news websites are ablaze with '#chennaifloods'  and the heart-rendering pictures of the city submerged in water. The atmosphere is charged with fear, tension and anxiety.This is the scene with which almost every Indian house has become familiar with.
The meteorological department is hard at work, trying to predict any more downpours, but are desperately hoping that they don't have to reveal any. The roads have become something of a river with a strong current and the fields wear deceptive looks of lakes. People are stranded inside their homes, with no electricity and water, forced to live on a ration of food.Schools and offices have been closed as it is almost impossible to step out of the house in most areas. Gadgets and vehicles are damaged. Some say that their electrical essentials like refrigerators have been washed away with the water! People are having to wade through this torrent, the water level sometimes, up to their chests! It has been reported that Chennai has received about a month's worth of rain in a single day!
Global warming, is undoubtedly the culprit behind this terrorizing incident. However, the city's planning is also to blame. Had the drains been clean and not clogged, then the water would gradually flow through and this would significantly reduce the amount of standing water. Also, due to coats of cement, tiles and tar covering almost every inch of most urban cities, barren soil and earth is unavailable for the water to seep through.
How many more warnings to we need to realize that proper planning is essential? How many more incidents before this concrete jungle will finally reduce expanding?
But one cannot deny that the country is not helping. The NDRF, the Army and the Navy are busy rescuing frightened souls and delivering food crates to houses. Social networking sites are overflowing with supportive messages and tweets which state that they have rooms where people can stay for quite a few days. Others are trying to help by recharging mobile and internet connections.Small boats are ferrying people to and from places.
It is said that collective prayers are often answered. These prayers have indeed been pondered over by God. He has only just managed to calm Nature's anger and rage, who has mercifully, not showered the city with any more rain, giving the flood time to reduce. But She says that this is indeed the LAST warning and will not show any mercy henceforth. After such a terrible calamity, we should be clever enough to take this as a last piece of advice and do everything possible to keep Nature happy as not even the bravest can face Nature's fury.
Stay strong Chennai. India stands with you.

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