Rains were on, as usual. The traffic on the Thrissur-Guruvayur-Kozhikode/Palakkad highway, near us, was sparse because many parts of the road are inundated. To make matters worse, the Airtel services had taken a hit rendering both our cellphones down almost for the entire day. It was rendered operational late in the evening.
Came to understand from the management of the service provider that electric power was shut down at various places because of heavy flooding and water logging, resulting in the use of generators for the normal operations. The end result was not completely effective. Must give you a whiff of the 'fake news' that was prevalent regarding the situation. It went something like this and I quote, "The government had asked the private service providers to shut down their services so that the rescue teams could take on the genuine calls from the BSNL instruments only, seeking relief assistance".
If one were to think rationally, why would the government take such a frivolous and an illogical decision? Secondly, in such an emergency situation, the rescuers would look for calls from any number so that they can home on to the stranded people, forthwith, to effect rescue. It's a question of reaching the right spot without loss of time.
Meanwhile, the effects of the disruption in rail/road traffic, over the past week, has begun to show. The petrol pumps have begun to shut down because of depleting stocks. Milk, bread, eggs and many of the groceries are missing from the shop shelves at most places. Thus one feels totally helpless that despite having the money, one is unable to acquire things for oneself for sustenance!
And God help you if you do not have electricity in your house. Ringing up for assistance from the local electrical office is an option that will end you up with frayed nerves and rising blood pressure. A continuous 'engaged tone' will invariably greet you; the telephone has been kept off the hook, without doubt. And the telephone guys will, sweetly, promise to set the things right once the 'situation improves'.
Usually, one heard that people came to one's aid and are ever willing to help, in times of a calamity. I would like to believe that perhaps, the majority belong to that culture but there are some among us who can be incorrigible and unhelpful. Wonder what they'd feel if they were to be in a similar situation?
To my mind, Robinson Crusoe and his Man, Friday were much better off on that uninhabited island!
Tailpiece.
1. The caretaker had called up to say that four labourers would be clearing the overgrown grass and weeds immediately around Raj Nivas, the roadside in front of the compound wall and the place where my parents rest, behind the barn. Could not transfer their wages, amounting to Rs.2,800/- into his account, as the banks' electronic servers are down, thanks to the continuing deluge. Have asked Lekha's sister to give him the money in the interim!
This is despite the fact that rain persists but the cleanliness of the house has to be maintained at a certain standard on the occasion of Onam.
2. Saw the funeral of the late Vajpayee ji on television. The spectacle of a mammoth event like this was well managed with the dignity that it rightly deserved!
3. Going to attend my course mate's son's wedding at Ernakulam, on Sunday, seems to be a difficult proposition owing to the following:-
(a) The highway at Chalakkudy and a few other places, continues to flood.
(b) Fuel has become rare, in petrol bunks, as replenishment is impossible because of disruption
of traffic.
Will still try to make it because the number of guests would be quite less under the prevailing weather conditions. It's up to us, his friends, to do the needful to make the occasion a success with maximum participation!
Came to understand from the management of the service provider that electric power was shut down at various places because of heavy flooding and water logging, resulting in the use of generators for the normal operations. The end result was not completely effective. Must give you a whiff of the 'fake news' that was prevalent regarding the situation. It went something like this and I quote, "The government had asked the private service providers to shut down their services so that the rescue teams could take on the genuine calls from the BSNL instruments only, seeking relief assistance".
If one were to think rationally, why would the government take such a frivolous and an illogical decision? Secondly, in such an emergency situation, the rescuers would look for calls from any number so that they can home on to the stranded people, forthwith, to effect rescue. It's a question of reaching the right spot without loss of time.
Meanwhile, the effects of the disruption in rail/road traffic, over the past week, has begun to show. The petrol pumps have begun to shut down because of depleting stocks. Milk, bread, eggs and many of the groceries are missing from the shop shelves at most places. Thus one feels totally helpless that despite having the money, one is unable to acquire things for oneself for sustenance!
And God help you if you do not have electricity in your house. Ringing up for assistance from the local electrical office is an option that will end you up with frayed nerves and rising blood pressure. A continuous 'engaged tone' will invariably greet you; the telephone has been kept off the hook, without doubt. And the telephone guys will, sweetly, promise to set the things right once the 'situation improves'.
Usually, one heard that people came to one's aid and are ever willing to help, in times of a calamity. I would like to believe that perhaps, the majority belong to that culture but there are some among us who can be incorrigible and unhelpful. Wonder what they'd feel if they were to be in a similar situation?
To my mind, Robinson Crusoe and his Man, Friday were much better off on that uninhabited island!
Tailpiece.
1. The caretaker had called up to say that four labourers would be clearing the overgrown grass and weeds immediately around Raj Nivas, the roadside in front of the compound wall and the place where my parents rest, behind the barn. Could not transfer their wages, amounting to Rs.2,800/- into his account, as the banks' electronic servers are down, thanks to the continuing deluge. Have asked Lekha's sister to give him the money in the interim!
This is despite the fact that rain persists but the cleanliness of the house has to be maintained at a certain standard on the occasion of Onam.
2. Saw the funeral of the late Vajpayee ji on television. The spectacle of a mammoth event like this was well managed with the dignity that it rightly deserved!
3. Going to attend my course mate's son's wedding at Ernakulam, on Sunday, seems to be a difficult proposition owing to the following:-
(a) The highway at Chalakkudy and a few other places, continues to flood.
(b) Fuel has become rare, in petrol bunks, as replenishment is impossible because of disruption
of traffic.
Will still try to make it because the number of guests would be quite less under the prevailing weather conditions. It's up to us, his friends, to do the needful to make the occasion a success with maximum participation!
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