A RIVER IN THE FLOOD

Heavy rains in a river cause floods. The rivers overflow their banks when the monsoons set in. The water carries away everything that comes in its way. In September 1979 our town had six inches of rain in about twenty-four hours. The Chenab broke its embankments. It caused havoc to Haripur and the neighbouring villages. It washed away mud-houses, bridges and railway line. The crops were destroyed. The cattle of the villagers were drowned.

The poor villagers took refuge on tree-tops. Some people died of starvation and snake-bite. In many villages the army came to the rescue of the people. the low-lying areas of the city were under six feet deep water. Roads were closed. The traffic remained suspended for about one week. Many people were left homeless. The Government was kind enough to come to the people's rescue. It gave them food. the people were helped with blankets. Medicines were supplied to check the spread of diseases like cholera, malaria and typhoid. There was a great loss of life, cattle, and household articles.