The Gathering Storm
On 11th August 1979, a flash flood struck Maurvi in Gujarat, leaving total devastation in its wake. Due to heavy rain, the water level rose so high in a huge dam on the bank of the settlement that the dam broke. In the words of one who witnessed it, “About 20 feet high walls of water entered the settlement with such high velocity that no one could escape from their onslaught. In a few hours’ time, this flood water having destroyed all animate and inanimate objects 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 rupees 5 crore as aid to the government of Gujarat.
Arun Kumar, a reporter of the Hindustan Times, published an eye-witness report in which he said that the survivors had a woeful tale to tell. Still in the grip of the shock and suffering that the flood had inflicted upon them, “Some have lost their speech and look absolutely dazed and blank” (19 August 1979). Another report (20 August 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 occur frequently on earth to remind man of the day of judgment. The great flood to herald the end of the world will overtake us suddenly. The destruction will be such that people’s tongues will fail them. They will be absolutely dazed. There will be those who, realizing their eternal doom, will be struck dumb. But 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 greater blessings. The flash flood of that Day will condemn some to hell fire while it will usher others to the gates of eternal happiness. Before the “flood”, man could easily find eloquent excuses to justify his cruel ways. But, on seeing the “flood of destruction”, all his strength will desert him and he will have no words to justify the unjust actions that he perpetrated in the world he has left behind him.
