Every household had two or three umbrellas, including the ubiquitous black one, invariably kept in the verandah. During the rainy months, clothes could not be hung out to dry on the terrace, so makeshift clotheslines were put up in the living room. — Internet

Chennai: With the northeast monsoon slowly but steadily picking up, Chennaiites are readying themselves for rainy days. El Niño’s impact has been linked to erratic weather patterns and with several messages about the impending rains doing the rounds on social media, people have begun pressing the panic button. While the government is gearing up for more rain in the coming days, Chennaiites are keeping their fingers crossed, wondering whether the monsoon will deliver as predicted by the meteorological department and, if so, how intense the downpour will be.

Decades ago, the same Chennai aka Madras witnessed heavy rains and floods. Yet, people managed it quite well without the daily updates of weather bloggers. While Chennai enjoyed showers in late June or early July, October often brought heavy downpours and incessant rain.

Every household had two or three umbrellas, including the ubiquitous black one, invariably kept in the verandah. During the rainy months, clothes could not be hung out to dry on the terrace, so makeshift clotheslines were put up in the living room. Power cuts were part and parcel of life during the monsoon, and candles were a regular item on the household shopping list. Besides candles of different sizes, small and large lanterns were lit whenever the power went off. In time, lanterns gave way to battery-operated emergency lights.

Dampness enveloped the house, and the family often huddled together amid candlelight, chatting or playing indoor games. Children went to school in raincoats or carrying umbrellas, and schools usually functioned as usual during the monsoon months. There were no sudden announcements of holidays every time heavy rain was forecast. People were prepared for rainy days and took them in their stride. Mothers stocked up on essential provisions to see the family through the rainy season, leaving little room for panic buying. Rain was simply a part of life then. Today, every spell of heavy rain causes a flutter, triggers fear and leaves people flustered.

Are we less prepared for the monsoon now or have instant updates and alarming messages made us more anxious than ever?

Tags: