It is very fortunate that we have rivers but these very rivers also cause great havoc when they are in flood. They overflow their banks and destroy everything which comes in their way. Some times due to heavy rains they are full of water and cause great devastation. Thus heavy loss of men money and material takes place. A river in spate is great danger for the men and the animals as well s the property of the man. Man has tried to check the fury of the rivers by building big dams. But still it is beyond his power to control them fully.
In Pakistan the people are quite accustomed to floods. Every year some part or the other is flooded by the overflowing rivers. A few years back in the rainy season there were widespread heavy rain in Lahore. The river Ravi flowing by Lahore started rising steadily. Its water crossed the danger mark nd then started overflowing its banks. It broke its embankments and submerged the low lying areas in the nearby localities.
The localities which were situated near the banks were now in great danger. The water of the river was flowing in great fury. Its level rising constantly due to incessant rains. The low lying areas near its had changed into large lakes or water. The current of the water was very strong and swift. Many cattle and other articles were carried away at certain places. I saw many human corpses and carcasses of animals floating in the water.
Lahore Administration and other authorities had warned the localities near the banks of the rivers to vacate immediately. The people had taken shelter all along the railway line. They had also migrated to the city and other areas of shelter. As far as I could see there was water everywhere.
Hundreds of houses in the affected villages had collapsed as they were made of mud. The crops were also destroyed as flood water had entered the fields. At certain places the people had to take shelter on tree tops. At other places they had to remain without water or food for two days. The streets were turned into small streams. The lives of many people were saved by rescuing them with the help of boats.
The water began to subside after two days. But it took a few days before the localities were completely cleared of water. A great loss was caused by the floods. People raised funds for helping the flood victims. The prime minister also sanctioned them financial help from the prime minister's relief fund. Many volunteer organizations sent food and clothes to help the destitute people in the localities. The colleges and schools also organized relief work in the villages by providing food and shelter to the victims.
Our government must find out some permanent solution to save the people from the destruction caused by the rivers.