Residents preparing for Storm

As the news updates of Hurricane Irene and the related tropical storm kept alerting viewers, local residents got busy stocking up on food items Friday evening at nearby grocery markets. As a precautionary measure, customers were busy purchasing necessities like baby food, diapers, milk, bread, fruits, canned food and other items in case of any emergency.          

Ashburn residents had mixed reactions about the upcoming storm.  A 5-yr-old Palak’s grandmother, an immigrant, saw foreboding in recent news and recalled better time. "Those were the days when America’s prosperity and sheen were renowned throughout the world. But today nothing is left here, economy is down, gas and grocery prices are rising, we are just done with an earthquake. Now, a dangerous storm on our way. It seems God is furious.’

Rao, a Lab technician at Inova Loudoun Hospital said that she would continue her job on weekend. She felt that a hospital is the safest place during such times since it is usually equipped with all necessary emergency equipments.

Adam, a local resident washing a bicycle on his driveway, looked calm and said that he didn’t think storms would have any impact on his home or family.

With the fasting month of Ramadan coming to an end this August, a couple of residents fear for the intensity of Hurricane Irene and said that they will stay up and pray to God for everyone’s life.

Some said that they have already filled their refrigerator and food pantry with nonperishable and such other items that would last long.