Respect water, not disregard it

Water, a seemingly tranquil element, carries an inherent danger that is often overlooked. Its immense power and ability to wreak havoc make it one of nature's most deceptive forces. A recent incident in Tibet, where a glacier avalanche briefly dammed a river before bursting and causing a deadly mudslide in northern Nepal, serves as a stark reminder of water's terrifying potential.

This terrifying aspect of water has long been ingrained in my psyche, as I have a deep-rooted fear of encountering water in various forms, from swimming pools and fountains to the rain showers in my bathrooms. The fluidity of water allows it to shift from a calming presence to a destructive force within moments, a quality that is both fascinating and terrifying.

Despite the beauty and serenity of water in its contained forms, the videos of the Himalayan valleys and concrete buildings swept away by 30-foot-high walls of debris-charged water serve as a sobering warning about the need to respect the immense force of nature. Floods, which were once associated with rural areas, are now a common occurrence in cities as well, demonstrating the destructive power of water in all its forms.

Humans continue to build concrete jungles and dam rivers for energy and irrigation, often ignoring the regulations meant to conserve and recharge water. This disregard for the power of water has led to numerous catastrophes in India and Nepal, where floods have claimed countless lives over the centuries. The Huangho or Yellow River, known as China's sorrow, has claimed millions of lives due to its devastating floods throughout history.

While we appreciate the beauty of nature and sing praises of our rivers and seas in our national anthem, do we truly respect these powerful and unpredictable repositories of water? The latest glacial avalanche from the Himalayas is not an isolated incident; similar events are likely to occur in other parts of India and Nepal. We must acknowledge the signals that nature sends us and modify our actions accordingly, ensuring that development does not come at the expense of endangering the lives of those living in remote areas.