For the first time in my 20-year stay in Kuwait, I experienced a 30-hour electricity breakdown and around 20 hours without water supply. This situation affected not only me but the entire complex.

What began as a brief power outage soon turned into a nightmare. There was no relief outside, and inside the house, it became suffocating with no electricity. Except for dining out, going out was not an option as temperatures soared to 50 degrees, even dropping to 40 degrees at night during a heatwave.

This sudden disruption highlighted how much we depend on these basic utilities and exposed vulnerabilities in our infrastructure. The most immediate challenge was the lack of lighting and ventilation. With no electricity, air conditioners ceased to function, leading to discomfort, especially for children and the elderly. The elevators were out of service, causing significant difficulties since we are not accustomed to climbing stairs.

Charging electronic devices turned into a struggle. Dead devices and unstable internet connections made me realize our dependency has increased manifold. Daily chores like cooking, cleaning, and even using the washroom became extremely difficult. Many families had to rely on bottled water.

Food preservation also became an issue. Without refrigeration, perishable items spoiled, leading to food wastage. The situation eventually improved after the utilities were restored 30 hours later, but it served as a wake-up call. It emphasized the need for better backup systems, such as generators and water storage solutions. It also highlighted the importance of quick responses and communication from the maintenance authorities, which was notably lacking during the crisis. This unexpected electricity outage made life difficult. At the same time, it provided an opportunity for all family members to sit, talk, and spend quality time together, which these days is a distant thought. Sitting together, talking, reading novels by candlelight, and playing board games, everyone relied on these activities, which have become considered old-fashioned. Somehow, we managed until night fell, and everyone was sweating, eyes tired, pupils dilated. Now the challenge was to fall asleep. The bed, which usually brings comfort, was causing a pinching sensation, and I was tossing and turning, waiting for daybreak, having already lost hope when the person on the other end of the call regarding the electricity complaint said there wasn't any hope today.

In conclusion, the 30-hour outage was a stark reminder of how crucial electricity and water are to modern living. It also underscored the need for better preparedness to handle such emergencies in the future. These are blessings that we often overlook in life's race. Everything counts for our sustenance. The day we lack any of these, we realize their importance.