
Rajasthan is the largest Indian state in terms of size. The state is famous for Thar desert that extends to Pakistan. Rajasthan was never famous for having flood but this year, the people of this region are dealing perhaps with the most catastrophic flood in the history of Rajasthan. The death toll has passed 130 and may increase significantly in the next few days. Everyone seems to be helpless against flood as they do not have habit of dealing with flood of this level.
Monsoon rain and flooding of rivers have joined hands to bring death and destruction to the district of Barmer. This district is famous for its dry weather and sandy earth. Here, many areas are under 5 meter water. The deaths mainly resulted from drowning and collapse of the houses. Thus, a desert has literally become a sea. According to a report of Reuters :
"A layer of gypsum below the sandy surface is preventing brownish flood waters from seeping into the ground in the region, slowing down relief efforts. Gypsum is a mineral used in the building industry."
So, you can understand the severity of the condition in Rajasthan. Well, the situation in Rajasthan is perhaps a new pattern of climate change in South Asia. Traditionally, Bangladesh receives a large amount of rain during Monsoon but this year Bangladesh has a drought like situation. On the other hand, Monsoon has moved in the western part of South Asia and caused this heavy flooding in Rajasthan.
I feel sympathy for the people of Rajasthan. First of all, they do not have much experience of dealing with floods and then this flood will have serious economic damages for them. I wish that Indian government comes forward to the support of the people after the flood finishes.








Wow, I can't imagine that this is happening. It's so sad. I know someone who hails from Rajasthan that lives here now, but some of his family still live back there, which makes it difficult for him to be here.
As a matter of fact he wrote the novel 'The Ashram', which anyone can purchase from Amazon under Sattar Memon.
Posted by: Simran | August 30, 2006 4:31 PM | Permalink to Comment