[Points: When and where it occurred—how the flood came damages caused—relief measures.]
Last year there was a flood in our parts of the country. It was preceded by heavy rains for a couple of days. In the morning of the third day we noticed that the river Rupa that passes by our village was full to the brim. About evening the river overflowed its banks and flooded the village on either side. By morning of the next day the water level rose so high that it entered the houses of most of the villagers. The people took shelter with whatever they could save in the local school and on the railway platform. The Zeminder of the village also removed as many as he could to his own house. The rain ceased about midday. The rise in the water level stopped, but it remained stationary at that level for some time more. Then the water. began to recede until the houses and fields wet: completely cleared.
The damage caused by the flood was very great. Many of the lowlying thatched and mud houses tumbled down. Much of the standing crop was destroyed and many domestic animals like dogs and cats were washed away. Fortunately there was no loss of human life.
Relief work was taken up as promptly as possible. Flattened rice, gur, milk powder and clothes were rushed in from the nearest towns and distributed among those who needed them. The Zeminder opened his granary to provide free meals at noon. Medical squads sent by the government took prompt steps to prevent the outbreak of any disease. Cholera inoculation was given to almost every villager, and D.D.T. and bleaching powder were spread freely to kill germs. For those whose houses had tumbled down or had been damaged, camps and temporary sheds were provided until they could rebuild or repair them. Indeed, it was a sight to see how sincerely the workers and their leaders worked day and night in their noble mission. Thank God, the people have almost got over the calamity and taken up their normal life again.
