It took 40 days and 40 nights for God to drown out Noah’s world. It takes Him much less to drown out mine.

Yet, for all the deluge that sinks Karachi every few years, the arks that salvage people’s lives each time are the public buses that run through the city come rain, hail or snow — in a manner of speaking. It was one such messiah that I managed to claw my way onto at around 7.30 yesterday evening. I was home by 9.15. Those riding cars from downtown Karachi reached home no earlier than 10.30. Some poor, miserable folk were stuck at I.I.Chundrigar Road till 12.30 because the road under their cars had sunken in.

At least 25 people are dead from electrocutions in the city. Homes are flooded, roads are broken, traffic is a mess and tempers have been sizzling.

The provincial and city governments mobilized as soon as the rains ended. Leaders of government have declared a state of emergency throughout the province, including Karachi, and measures are being taken to clear up the wreckage left behind by the downpour. We don’t expect much to change any time soon but at least there’s some government response this time.

That said, being stuck at office with no bijli and a bunch of people discussing the craziest of options was a fun experience. Not having the responsibility of taking care of girls and worrying about people getting home is a nice, light feeling.

God-Dude, we sincerely thank you for the rains and your generosity in showering us with them. Now, we kindly request you to stop already!

Monday marks the start of the corporate whoring.