Srinagar, Aug. 27 -- But while the tragedy unfolded in Jammu, another crisis brewed silently in the Kashmir Valley: On Tuesday afternoon, as the Jhelum swelled close to the danger mark and south Kashmir watched anxiously, both mobile and wired communication collapsed. Calls did not go through, the internet went dark, and stranded people had no way to seek help or inform loved ones. Services returned only erratically by Wednesday afternoon.

This is not a minor technical glitch. Communication is the first line of defence against any disaster. It warns people in time, guides them to safety, allows trapped families to call for help, and lets relief agencies coordinate their response. If it is the first thing to fail when the clouds burst, wh...