Saturday, October 12, 2013

Bhubaneswar: So far so good

For inhabitants of Bhubaneswar an impending storm is nothing more than a show time. At least so far that is the case. With provisions of all kind stashed in the freezer, TV and internet updating the progress of the cyclone in the eastern seaboard, electric power or alternative power available for major part of the day and of course the Dasahara holidays going, people, are no more than a little anxious. The concrete and steel homes are safe from being torn apart and water seeping in.

Bhubaneswar is where the bandobast for the relief work happens, it is here that opposition leaders rake up issues like government's unpreparedness. It is here that all the big IAF cargo planes descend and spew out men and material. It is from here that the brave hearts of the Indian military forces are deployed to the danger zones.

Bhubaneswar is a safe zone in the times of a storm. People find their homes safer, hence the roads remained empty most of the day. Most of the shops remained closed during the day. Although it rained intermittently throughout the day we have seen business going on in full swing with heavier rains. But today it was different. Why take extra risk when people have made up their mind for a three, four days' shut down?

In the morning at about 8 o' clock I visited one of the Reliance Fresh departmental stores, more to survey the scene than to buy provisions. Although the shop was open uncertainty was ruling the air. At that time rain had
stopped but the people inside were in a closing mood.   Most of the shelves were empty, no breads, no milk and no eggs and flattened rice. Potato sale was rationed at 2 kg per buyer. The non-vegetarian section was not open.

As I write this, heavy rains is lashing outside, but wind is not severe as I can not hear its sound and fury. Bhubaneswar is safe so far, at least safe for most, except for the unfortunate woman who lost her life coming under an uprooted tree. May her soul rest in peace.  

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