Keep the less privileged and helpless in mind this 14th August
KARACHI: Heavy rains have been forecast during Eid-ul-Azha and 14th August. For Karachiites however, come rain or shine, their spirits on Independence Day have never been dampened. Small stalls filled with flags, clothes, bangles, caps and badges in green and white have been set up at roadside shops as kids and adults rush to purchase them.
While the streets of Karachi may be flooded with water, every other house can be seen hoisting a flag while vehicles on the streets are already booming with the national anthem. There is no doubt that the celebrations will go on in full swing this year as Pakistan turns 73. The people of Karachi should be lauded for their enthusiasm. However, there are some important precautionary measures that we all should take.
One can only experience the true pleasure of rain outdoors. But to prevent a joyous day from quickly turning into a catastrophe for the whole city we must be careful. Keep indoors while it rains, especially if your nearby streets have standing water. During power outages, we must make sure that we keep away from electric poles which may have stray wires around them. If you see or know of any stray dogs or cats, bring them in so that they have shelter. If you see someone suffering on the roads, be sure to offer them an umbrella or coat. With Eid and the monsoon season coinciding, diseases may spread. It is a good idea to wear a mask when stepping out. Avoid going to the beach in celebration because of the high tides, and tell your loved ones the same.
Rain is always a blessing for our city. Keep the less privileged and helpless in mind this 14th August, because that is the true essence of the day! In case of any medical emergencies, you can call 115 to get in touch with the Edhi Foundation and other ambulance services.
Fariha Pervaiz
Published in The Express Tribune, August 14th, 2019.
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