Still waiting...

For the last two days, all I've been hearing about is Rita. predictions of rain, winds and even hail showers. I look around and see nothing but people dehydrating in hot Texas, sparse vegetation, almost burnt to a crisp and an unfirgivingly cloudless, scorching sky. The idea of a storm of great fury arriving here in the next 24 hours seems completely preposterous. Lying in wait for it, stocking up on every concievable commodity even more so.

If Rita was somewhere in the Indian ocean, stealthily advancing on the western coast of India, nobody would have a clue about it's sinister plan. Not until 5 seconds after it hits the coast. Would Bombay-ites be better prepared if they had a warning? Would they have their local radio channels blaring out possible evacuation routes and lists of items you need to stock up on in case of a week-long black-out? Would the police be on their guard and the traffic choppers working extra hours? Would the red cross organise shelters for the homeless and poor, distributing bottled evian water and baby diapers? Would the citizens buy flood-safe cages for their pet poodles?

On the other hand, when Rita strikes tomorrow, will Texans brave the storm outisde looking for people unable to reach their homes? Would they fight for the last drop of gas available at the gas station, or would they offer rides to people stranded away from home? Would they waste hundreds of dollars on stuff they dont need while also complaining that the local grocery store ran out of your favourite brand of cereal bars (because cars dont have bowl-holders) just when u need it the most? Would they imagine that the tap water is contaminated, and die of thirst amidst all the flash floods? Would they complain about the sweltering heat and the lack of air-conditioning when the lights go out to prevent electrocution?

We'll just have to wait and see...