A FLOOD

        It was the worst rainy weather that I had seen. The skies remained overcast as sheets of rain poured down without stopping. In the evenings, the rain usually accompanied by blinding flashes of lightning and deafening peals of thunder. Most of the residents in my area remained confined indoors. Apart from people scurrying to and from work and school, there was little outdoor activity.    
        After about a few days of incessant rain, the swollen river burst its banks and unleashed its fury on the residents. Many of the residents ere caught off-guard. As the floodwaters rose, the water started gushing into their homes. The flood swept away everything in path such as rubbish bins and small pots of plants. Cars parked along the roads were half-submerged.

        Everyone tried to shift their things to higher level but their efforts were in vain. There was not enough time as the flood water was moving fast. Everyone could only save themselves. Many residents managed to climb up to the rooftop. Rescue boats were nowhere in sight. Some people were soaking wet while some managed to wait under an umbrella.

       Soon, the rescue boats came and picked up the residents to a flood relief centre which crowded with people. After about a day of heavy downpour, the rains finally showed signs of abating. The overcast skies finally cleared. So, everyone started to return to their homes.

       In the event of flood, we need to take precautions to stay safe. People could easily get drowned in a flood. So, it is important not to walk or wade through flood waters. We can also avoid from electrocution by stay away from power lines and electrical wires.


Vocabulary
overcast : 阴天
confined : 禁闭
scurrying : 急赶
incessant : continuous 
swollen : 膨胀
burst : 爆发
unleashed : 解开
fury : 狂怒
gushing : 涌
shift : 转换
vain : 徒然
soaking wet : 湿透
abating : 减少
wade : 拨浅
electrocution : 电死