francene--blog. Year 2013
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August 20th

8/20/2013

 
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In the worst floods for 120 years, Russia and China are battling to evacuate millions of people.

RIA Novosti news agency reports that more than 20,000 people have been evacuated from flood-stricken areas in Russia's far east, where the Amur river has burst its banks after heavy rain. The army and emergency workers have set up 166 temporary shelters across three regions, providing drinking water, hot food and medical supplies.


Pictureenglish.ruvr.ru
Despite the fear that the floods will not recede until September, many people do not want to be evacuated. They are camping out on rooftops, hoping to protect their possessions in case looting starts.

Near Blagoveshchensk, the capital of the Amur region, the Zeya river is usually just a few hundred metres wide. But now, the water stretches more than 10km (6 miles) from bank to bank, covering streets and gardens in several villages. A small dam is still holding, protecting the city, but local residents say if the waters rise further, this might not be enough.

The authorities have deployed thousands of troops and emergency personnel. They are calling for calm. Experts suggest the flooding will not get any worse over the next few days, but the weather forecast promises more rain later this month. The flood waters are not expected to fully recede until September.


Picturedailymailnews.com
At least 105 people have died and 115 are missing after floods and a typhoon hit parts of China, state media report.

Heavy rain since last Wednesday has caused floods in the north-eastern provinces of Liaoning, Jilin and Heilongjiang. Crops have failed across 256,000 hectares of farmland in the region, which is one of China's major bread baskets, Xinhua reports.

According to reports, almost 3,000 soldiers are helping with relief efforts for more than 8 million residents of the north-east, who have been affected by the floods.

China and Russia are working well together to fight flooding affecting both countries, central government says.

Here's a case where nations pull together in a time of need. Nobody can hope to battle against nature's forces alone. Sometimes the most desperate situations bring out the best in people. I'm sure many people are placing themselves at risk to help others, although the stories might remain untold.

Unfortunately, these same circumstances bring out the worst in those greedy individuals who seek to take advantage of other people's misfortune. The relatively few soldiers left to guard properties can't hope to prevent all looting.

The world's population is full of good and bad.

I've only once experienced a flood. Mounting water seeped into my home in Victoria, Australia. The water came through the front door and rose about two inches. I can't remember the fear I must have felt 50 years ago. These things fade if they're unimportant. My strongest memory is of trying to save my precious possessions from water damage. This is what will worry the Chinese and Russian people when they are evacuated from their homes. To save their lives, they must leave everything behind, knowing they may never see it again.


Sojourner link
8/19/2013 08:33:26 pm

Wow. I had no idea this was going on. Thanks for the share. I'm fortunate to have never experienced a flood. The closest I came was during Hurricane Sandy, but the water didn't accumulate in my direct area.

Francene Stanley link
8/19/2013 10:22:53 pm

I scour the news every morning, looking for topics. I'm surprised the BBC hasn't reported on the terrible floods until now, nearly a week later. It's as if the other side of the world isn't as improtant as what's going on with footballers.

Peggy Nolan link
8/19/2013 09:34:30 pm

Hi Francine,

I also had no idea flooding was going on in that part of the world. But then again, I don't watch the news all that much. I've been through hurricanes and earth quakes - and yes, natural disasters bring out the best and worst in people.

I appreciate reading your blog today.

Peggy (from UBC)
***
Peggy Nolan
http://thestepmomstoolbox.com

Francene Stanley link
8/20/2013 03:18:04 am

So glad you visited, Penny. Stuff happens all the time in our world--sometimes good and sometimes bad. I'm glad two countries are working together to solve this disaster.

Dayna Camp link
8/20/2013 04:09:51 am

This reminds me of the flood back in the day of Noah! Although this is a terrible thing, I believe good will always come out of difficult things. I'm also thankful we have the promise in the rainbow that the Lord will never again destroy the earth through flood. Thanks for keeping us up to date!

Sophie Bowns link
8/20/2013 06:01:07 am

Oh God! It sounds awful! Not more natural disasters!!


Comments are closed.

    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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