The weather man told us of the heavy rainfall in the catchment area of Ukai Dam. Water level rose very quickly and flood gates were opened. People knew, water would come very soon but the past experience of last floods in 1994 did not ring the alarm bells strongly. The optimists were confident - just like the one it was. The pessimist told - it is going to be worse.

Unfortunately, this time the pessimists were right, the nature’s fury was unfathomable. Flood water entered the city at a very fast pace, displacing people, drowning houses, factories and causing havoc to the city. The low lying areas got inundated & resulting losses ran into mind blowing figures.

DOWN, but not out, set back, but not defeated, the resilient people of Surat did not give in. No sooner did the flood waters receded that they joined hands and whole heartedly contributed to the noble cause - to rescue the less fortunate, to save them from misery, to help restore their confidence, to start their morning as every other morning used to be.

Our club rose to the occasion - with a will to do something for those who have been badly hurt. Under the leadership of President Vishal, President Elect Rtn. Sunil & Director Comm. Service Rtn. Stanley Martin, 17 Rotarians and 7 Anns put their efforts. The Rotarians went to people residing in various apartments and not affected by flood appealing them to generously give old clothes, utensils, grains, soaps, plastic buckets/mugs etc. Besides these, hampers were made and Rotarians, Anns personally visited three centres around Surat to distribute.

Around 900 such hampers wee made on the 19th night. On the 20th morning, the hampers were distributed covering three areas namely, Adajan Gam, Dabholi Village and the Bapunagar slums.