Memories and Ordeals of Past Floods

Memories and Ordeals of Past Floods, This summer in Gilgit-Baltistan, the sudden, dangerous rains with flash floods and river surges once again revived those past flood scenes preserved in this region’s history since ancient times. As the windows to memories spanning four decades open, one sees how we witnessed incessant floods and the river’s furious flow in our village too.

Back then, the clouds also roared and poured, but they didn’t have these modern names like “cloudburst” or “climatic changes,” etc. Those childhood summers when the monsoon rains were a nuisance rather than a blessing. Water everywhere; due to leaks in the houses and cattle sheds, there was no place to even sit or sleep. Day and night, people would look to the sky, waiting for the rain to stop. No prior warnings, no modern devices. Just reliance on nature’s mercy. We only had hot tea, and more tea… We passed the time by burning large logs of wood and listening to folk tales. When lightning flashed and thunder clapped loudly, we would huddle in our parents’ embrace. They would frighten us further by telling us magical tales. Later, awareness about lightning and the nature of clouds came from science books.

The village’s prayer rooms were also not safe from these rains. There, the drip-drip of leaking water kept the worshippers disturbed. In the houses, wet wood sizzled and smoked on traditional hearths but struggled to catch fire. The shops had nothing except tea, rice, and a few basic items. Nothing ready-to-eat was available. Survival depended on local milk and traditional vegetables.

The plastic-covered roofs of the wealthy provided shelter for them and their neighbors. Every tongue praised God, every heart was filled with gratitude. Rainwater was used for drinking. The walls of mud houses, soaked through, would collapse, and water channels would break. The floods would not only wash away crops but also drown livestock. The people living near the streams in summer suffered even more, going hungry. Patience was the only solution until help arrived from the villagers… Rental houses were not available, and the support from relatives was also limited.

There were no means of help available at that time. Neither did government aid arrive on time, nor did private organizations bring immediate relief. Official inspections and compensation would reach a few people months later. After the difficult days passed, the villagers would collectively dig out new water channels and rebuild the fallen houses from scratch. Relatives and neighbors would lend a hand. No video calls, no pleas on social media, no global attention. But their spirits touched the skies. They lived within their means… waiting for time to heal. There was no rush to restore education, health, and social life. Everything returned to normal gradually, step by step.

Floods came to villages like Shinki, people were rendered homeless, but years of hard work made them successful in the world. Their homes and belongings were washed away, but they did not lose heart. Today, that very place is a center of population. Areas like Mominabad and Ashkoman faced disasters like the breaking of the Qrombor Lake, but they rose again every time. The same was true for other areas of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Today, circumstances have changed. Advance information about rain and floods is available. State and private institutions reach the affected people within minutes and hours. Roads are reopened as soon as possible. Aid reaches right to the doorsteps of homes. The world hears the voice of the victims. World-class houses, compensation, scholarships, and construction projects breathe new life into their existence. Yet, there is still clamoring, hoping for overnight restoration… a rush for education, and who knows what else… Nowadays, if not one’s own home, at least rental homes are available; this wasn’t the case in the past. Even today’s tent is no less than a home… Floods have occurred in many places around the world. In Gilgit-Baltistan, a flood or natural disaster comes and passes.

Today, many of the affected people are settled in major cities of the world; some have established themselves in other parts of the country, while others have built new properties in their villages. No one was completely destroyed, nor did poverty sting anyone. Yes, difficulties came, patience was tested, loved ones were lost, but life was reborn. Roads were built, schools and places of worship were constructed.

In summary, difficulties and trials are human destiny—they must be faced with courage, fortitude, and hard work. Mutual cooperation and persistent effort are required instead of selfishness. We must not merely sit waiting for others. We should be grateful to those who help, but now we must also move forward ourselves. Build wisely, choose to reside in safe locations. Work with each other’s guidance and help.

Remember! Those who wait for others are always left behind. Creating one’s own world is the way of a Momin (a true believer). May Allah Almighty grant all the affected people courage, peace, and the spirit of reconstruction. Everyone is present to help—all that is needed is patience and gratitude. Indeed, Allah grants the patient ones better than what they expect.