Rain-water falls on big mountains as well as upon plains.

As the river bed is lo

wer in level, all the rain-water flows to low lands and rivers. When the rainfal
l is heavy, rivers, streams and other channels cannot contain all the rain-water
in their beds. Then the water overflows their banks. This called a flood.

Sometimes, a flood is caused by the melting of snows on the mountains which incr
eases the volume of water in the rivers. Breaches in the embankment of a river a
lso cause floods.
Effects of Flood
At times flood comes all on a sudden. People sleep at night in their houses peac
efully. They wake in the morning to see their houses surrounded with water. This
cause untold suffering and immense miseries to the people. Their belongings are
washed away. Houses collapse and people are rendered homeless. Many men, women,
children and cattle are swept away by the current of the river. Floods destroy
crops standing in the fields and cause famine. They also cause epidemics. Many p
eople lose their resources and tools and thus lose their occupation. It is a ver
y pitiable sight to see cattle and men being washed away by the current of the r
iver during the floods. Often entire families are washed away and they drift on
the thatches and frail barges, aimlessly. The flood also damages railway lines a
nd makes the running of trains impossible.
Flood Relief Measures
In time of flood the Government of India adopts various measures to alleviate th
e sufferings of the people. It arranges for both long-term and short-term relief
. The short-term relief means immediate relief. This includes distribution of fo
od, cloth, medicines etc. The long-term relief means free distribution of seedli
ngs, remission of rent, grant of loan for reconstructing houses and for reclaimi
ng land, etc. Even private relief societies are organizes by the people. They al
so render much help to the flood-stricken people.
Preventive Measures
It is possible to check the frequent visits of floods. We can do so by digging c
anals, by raising the level of river-banks and by putting strong dams across the
rivers. All this requires great engineering skill and heavy expense. The Govern
ment often carries out these projects when funds permit.
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