March 19, 2003	Wednesday	Muharram 15, 1424

KUWAIT CITY, March 18: Kuwait witnessed on Tuesday an unprecedented rush of Kuwaitis and expatriates at super markets to buy and store food and other necessary stuff, immediately after the US president gave President SAddam Hussain a 48-hour ultimatum.

Despite assurance by the Kuwait government that during war time, all the super markets would be functioning normally, Kuwaitis and expatriates were witnessed buying mineral water, children’s milk, bread, diapers and other food items.

Abdullah who was buying necessary food items at one of the supermarkets told Dawn that no one knows what would happen in the next two days, so it would be good to take necessary steps for the future.

“During wars people get into a panic and no one cares for others so it would be good to buy and store items at home,” Abdullah added.

The Kuwait government earlier made an announcement that all the supermarkets had stocks that could last for six months. It has already taken necessary steps to ensure that foodstuff and other items are available during the war.