India can't afford to let its guard down again

Our readers have their say on the Covid-19 devastation in India, the Indonesia submarine crew and Ramadan traditions

Exhausted workers, who bring bodies for cremation, on the rear step of an ambulance inside a crematorium, in New Delhi, India, April 24. AP

With regard to Simon Rushton's report UK joins global effort to tackle Covid-19 crisis in India (April 25): Thank you to the UK and the other countries proving the necessity of international co-operation when we so desperately need it. Millions in our country will be grateful. But we have to learn from this horrible reality. The longer-term solution though is preparedness, discipline and a successful vaccination drive in our overpopulated country, all of which are tough tasks.

Suman Juyal, Delhi

Thank God the world is coming to their aid.

Pauline Van Lelyveld, Blantyre, Malawi

India's Covid-19 cases shot up from about 100,000 a day in the last quarter of 2020 to about 350,000 daily these days. The Indian health structure is nearing collapse. What will happen if the number of daily cases spiral to 500,000 or more cases per day?

We have to plan for the worst-case scenarios in terms of equipment and resources, even as we hope for the best. India should not be caught with its guard down again. We cannot get complacent like we did earlier this year, believing we had this under control and the worst was over. India must also research the new double mutant aggressively to understand how the virus works and how best to counter it.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

The pictures are heartbreaking. Sending solidarity from across the border to our brothers and sisters in India. May God help the people in need.

Kashif Naseem, Peshawar, Pakistan

Hats off to government initiatives in the UAE in controlling the pandemic and also helping India in the true spirit of Ramadan.

Shivanand Savur, Pune, India

Thanks to all countries that are helping India. There is a lot of goodness in this world.

Evon Rawlings, Ajman

Ramadan traditions that warm the heart 

With reference to Nilanjana Gupta's report Journey of Dubai's Ramadan cannon that signals iftar for thousands of people (April 13): Lovely to see some of these traditions carried down through generations. They have immense value.

Alice Proudfoot, Abu Dhabi

Sympathies for the Indonesian crew on the submarine

With regard to the report Indonesia mourns as lost submarine crew say goodbye in last video (April 27): this is so painful and heart breaking. My deepest sympathies.

Musatapha Ahmad, Abu Dhabi

A sad moment for the people of Indonesia. We, the people of Pakistan, pay our condolences to loved ones of all the 53 crew on board KRI Nanggala 402. We feel your loss and pray for you.

Mehran Ali Tipo, Khanewal, Pakistan