It’s that time of the year when you just don’t want to listen to your mum and dad calling you inside of the house, because all you want is endless fun, jumping about, splashing water and lying down in the big puddles that accumulate after the rain.

Yes, the monsoon rains are finally here! With every drop of rain, the monsoon brings endless joy and beauty to our environment, turning the dusty leaves of the trees into lush green and dirty roads into clean pathways, while filling the air with a fresh, earthy scent. And I am sure, by now, you have had ample fun and you are not stopping any time soon if it’s still raining. Isn’t that so?

I love the rain too! Believe me, kids, adults enjoy splashing in the rain and rejoicing in its magic just as much as you do. However, with age comes a greater awareness of safety and the importance of balance. It has been a long time since Sindh, particularly Karachi, received considerable rainfall. Last year’s dry season left us all eagerly waiting for the monsoon. But it didn’t rain. And unfortunately, this year, summer came in all its fury full of heatwaves and high humidity.

Thankfully, we have just received a welcome break from the heat with monsoon, cooler temperatures and pleasant winds. It has been raining in various parts of the country since last month. However, as always, we remind our young readers to prioritise safety while enjoying the rain.

So what is monsoon? Well, in short and brief, it is a seasonal wind pattern that brings heavy rains, predominantly occurring in South Asia, Southeast Asia and parts of Africa. It’s driven by the differential heating of land and sea, resulting in significant weather changes.

This is a quick guide on safety measures while you have endless fun. Don’t forget to follow these essential tips.

Health risks

As I said earlier, playing in the rain, and being out is fun, but it should be kept in mind that Monsoon rains also bring about several health risks to children and adults alike. And as it’s been raining on and off, you must use mosquito repellents, nets and mosquito-repellent room diffusers. It is much better to play in areas with clean rainwater. But make sure you stay within the reach of your house and are not far from them. But even then, if you can’t find a safe place to play, it’s better to avoid puddles altogether.

Why do I say that? Well because of the following issues that arise:

Waterborne diseases: No matter how tempted you feel to jump in the puddles; remember, the water puddles after rain are polluted with several infectious germs and are the breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue and malaria.

In fact, these germs could lead to diseases such as cholera, in which one may experience severe diarrhoea and dehydration; typhoid, which can cause high fever, fatigue, headache, nausea, abdominal pain, constipation and dysentery as well.

Kids are more vulnerable to these infections, therefore, always be careful when playing outside in the rain. It’s safer to play while it’s still raining as the water is flowing and hasn’t pooled. Or choose playing in rainwater on your roof or porch instead of puddles on the roads and streets.

Respiratory infections: Cold, damp and humid weather accompanies with it several breathing problems, especially for people with sensitive lungs or having breathing problems. These infections include the common cold, flu and more severe conditions like pneumonia. Therefore, prioritise personal hygiene by frequently washing hands and avoiding touching your face with dirty/unwashed hands. When coughing or sneezing, always cover your mouth and limit your exposure to crowded places so that you don’t get infected.

Skin infections: As I said earlier, stagnant water is the breeding ground for countless germs, playing in it for a prolonged time can cause skin infections too, like rashes and fungal infections. Whenever it rains too much and there is a lot of stagnant rainwater later on, it results in widespread skin diseases, with kids and adults having issues such as athlete’s foot, blisters and eczema flare-ups.

Injuries: Injuries are very common, especially when it’s water all around leading to more slippery surfaces; some visible but most are invisible under the shallow water. Always watch your step and consider wearing proper footwear with good grip and avoid running on wet surfaces.

Proper clothing

After you have played enough in the rain, take a shower and ensure you’ve removed all traces of rain or dirty water from puddles from your body and change into dry clothes. Avoid sitting directly under an air conditioner or fan, as this can lead to fever and headaches.

Keep your wet clothes away, and don’t throw them around for your mother to pick for you. Take responsibility and put them where they don’t become the cause of dampness wetting other things.

Power outages

Monsoon season often brings with it power outages. While adults handle the major tasks, you can also play a crucial role in staying safe and helping out. Power outages can be frustrating, but remember to be patient and try to adjust to the situation.

Avoid candles: Completely. If necessary, let the adult in your family handle it. But you stay away from it, I know as kids, seeing a lit candle and taking it around feels like magic. But remember it is too dangerous as a little mishandling can lead to big disasters.

Electrical appliances: Don’t touch any electrical appliances, especially if your hands are wet or you are not wearing a proper footwear. It is advised to wear rubber slippers or shoes as rubber acts as an insulator and breaks the circuit to the ground. Pay attention to what adults say. Stay away from all the wires and cables in your house, and if you are out, be extra careful by staying away from poles and other electrical equipment. Avoid doorbell switches that are wet.

Charge devices: When the power is on, make sure you remind your elders to charge their phones and other electronic devices, battery fans and also the lights. This will help stay connected during an outage. And lastly, make sure you know the emergency numbers for your area.

City in chaos

While the monsoon brings many benefits to the environment, it can also lead to serious challenges such as flooding and waterlogging, which disrupt daily life and cause damage to infrastructure.

In case there is excessive rainfall, it could often overflow drainage systems, leading to widespread flooding. Although the government has taken significant steps in building good infrastructure this year, we all need to be careful by not to venture too far from home. Staying close to your home protects you against unforeseen danger.

Traffic congestion

The traffic moves slower due to the downpour, the addition of school vans and other vehicles could further multiply the problem, causing undue stress for both children and parents. Therefore, this year, the government has tactfully extended your summer break to ease unnecessary road congestion. Let’s hope you don’t get stuck in the traffic, unless you are out on a trip with your family.

If possible, avoid going out to prevent frustration caused by traffic congestion, potholes, water-logging and poor visibility. These conditions significantly slow down traffic, leading to long delays.

Enjoy with your family!

When the first rain drop falls, your mother rushes to the kitchen to make snacks for everyone. You can play outside while she cooks. But don’t forget, mum likes to have fun too! Ask her to play with you for a little while before she gets busy. It’s nice to share the rain together.

The monsoon season is fun, but staying alert and playing safe is essential to ensure a good time for everyone.

Published in Dawn, Young World, August 3rd, 2024