Heavy showers lashed Vizag today - the heaviest downpour of the rainy spell of the last two weeks. This upset the common man's routine and traffic came to a standstill at most junctions. The drains were unable to cope (as usual) flooding the city hindering movement even further. With 15 cm of rain on 19th September, most schools and colleges declared a holiday. Offices too saw thin attendance. Due to the deep depression over the northwest Bay of Bengal which further intensified into a cyclonic storm the north coastal Andhra Pradesh region has been getting heavy rain. With schools, colleges and offices closed most people remained indoor, secure from the raging storm and howling wind.

Those who did venture out witnessed a catastrophic sight on the roads. Trees were uprooted, telephone and electric poles broken and cables hung low and perilously above streets. There were walls that had collapsed and people stranded in houses (this time because they had no choice) with water all around them. However, we are a resilient lot determined to take all adversities in our stride. For all the destruction and havoc the storm may have created, one can't deny there's always a good part even in the worst of situations. The outcome of this cyclonic activity has not been entirely unrewarding There has been a record level of 34 cm of rain this month.

Visakhapatnam will finally be able to quench its thirst now that the level of water in reservoirs has risen. Earlier the situation has been abysmal and residents have had to suffice with water supply every alternate day. Water and hygiene are complimentary to each other. In a city supporting a population of 21 lakhs, what could be more essential? People have been bathing at the same places where scores have gathered to collect drinking water.

Even the monsoon rains in the city have been deficient this year; the 20 cm rainfall due to cyclonic activity on the 14th September being the highest recorded mark. The capability of the Government to stockpile the rain water raises a big question. The water which was flooded into Godavari River after Maharastra floods was swept away into Bay of Bengal. Even now the problem exists as the Vamsadhara river, in spite of heavy rainfall is unable to retain water in its course. With so little water, Vizagites could not be more grateful to the rains that whip lashed the city on the 19th of September.

The old adage "when it rains, it pours" seems to hold true in every connotation, more now than ever. On one hand scarcity of water had become a problem beyond comprehension and on the other Vizag which lay parched was blessed with a torrential spell, compensating for  more than the city could have possibly desired.