The Gathering Storm
The flash flood of the Final Day will bring some human beings to Hell’s doorstep, while it will usher others to the gates of Paradise.
On August 11th, 1979, a flash flood struck Maurvi in Gujarat, leaving behind total devastation. Due to heavy rain, the water level rose so high in a massive dam on the settlement bank that the dam broke. One who witnessed it said, “About 20 feet high walls of water entered the settlement with such high velocity that no one could escape their onslaught. Having destroyed all animate and inanimate objects, this floodwater receded as suddenly as it came.” It is estimated that, out of a total population of about 40,000, as many as 25,000 died in this flash flood. The extent of the destruction can be gauged from the fact that, besides public contributions, the central government immediately released five crore rupees as an aid to the government of Gujarat.
Arun Kumar, a reporter for the Hindustan Times, published an eye-witness report in which he said the survivors had a woeful tale to tell. Still, in the grip of the shock and suffering the flood inflicted upon them, he wrote: “Some have lost their speech and look dazed and blank” (August 19, 1979). Another report (August 20, 1979) recounts how overjoyed a ruined landlord was when he was handed over Rs. 18,000 in cash and gold ornaments weighing 225 grams which had been restored to him from his house by government officials.
Such events frequently occur on earth to remind man of the Day of Judgment. The great flood heralding the world’s end will overtake us suddenly. The destruction will be such that people’s tongues will fail them. They will be dazed. Those who will realize their eternal doom will be struck dumb. However, there will also be those who will be given the good tidings that the encompassing flood of death and destruction will leave them unscathed. Not only will God restore to them what is theirs but will shower them with even more incredible blessings. The flash flood of that Day will condemn some to Hellfire while it will usher others to the gates of eternal happiness. Before the “flood”, man can easily find eloquent excuses to justify his cruel ways. However, on seeing the “flood of destruction”, all his strength will desert him, and he will have no words to justify the unjust actions he perpetrated in the world he has left behind him.
