It was the rainy season and, for one whole week, the rain poured
incessantly. The water level in the river
rose steadily until the water spilt over, flooding many low-lying areas.
My village was one of the areas affected and we had to move our
belongings to higher ground. There, we waited for rescue teams to arrive.
The whole village was submerged in about one meter of water. The currents
were swift and merciless, sweeping away livestock and furniture.
Red Crescent members could be seen busy
evacuating old folk, women and children trapped by the rising
waters. Flood victims were taken to a Flood Relief Centre. Here we were
given hot drinks, porridge and milk for the babies. Some had to be given
clothes and blankets as they could not save anything in time.
After three days, the rain subsided and the flood waters
receded. It was such a relief to see the
sun again. Flood victims began to move back home, to clean up the place as
well as to assess the damage. |