[Points: Causes of a flood—dangers caused—relief measure preventive measures a few notable floods—conclusion.]
Floods are generally caused by excessive rainfall. The normal rainwater flows down the river to the sea. But when the rain is too heavy for this, the river overflows the lands on either side. Sometimes a flood is caused by the sudden melting of large masses of snow in the mountains. Occasionally the pressure of river-water breaks an embankment and the water rushes into the land on the other side. In some places railway lines also cause a flood by obstructing the natural downward flow of water.
A flood causes great damage to life and property. Crops are destroyed, lowlying houses, particularly mud and thatched ones, tumble down, domestic pets like cats and dogs, even cattle, are swept away. Those who cannot escape in time to a high land are drowned. Some even take to tree-tops and stay on there until they are rescued.
Whenever there is a flood, people come forward to help the sufferers. Those who have lost their homes are given shelter in the houses of their fortunate fellow-men or in public places like schools and colleges. There they are fed and clothed by charitable people, different philan thropic organisations and the Government until they are in a position to manage their own affairs. Help in the forms of loans and gifts is given to build or repair the houses, to purchase cattle, and to cultivate the fields anew. Indeed, it is calamities like the flood that reveal the inherent kindness and fellow-feeling of men.
Though a flood is a natural calamity, steps are being taken to prevent it. Dams and canals have been constructed at different places to regulate the flow of water. The Damodar Valley Corporation, the Mayurakshi Projects, etc. have been undertaken for the purpose. Railway lines are being provided with more and more bridges so that water may pass through easily and quickly.
Floods are rather frequent in West Bengal. Most terrible, were the Damodar Flood of 1913 in the districts of Burdwan and Midnapore, the North Bengal Flood of 1922, and the 'recent All Bengal Flood of 1959. Their memories are still fresh in many minds. But there is no cloud without its silver lining. Even a flood has its good effects. It washes away the accumulated filth that produced germs of various diseases. The alluvia it leaves behind fertilise the soil.
