Floods, Water and God in Europe

Part of the problem is the interconnectedness of countries like Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, linked by a network of major rivers: decisions on flood control measures such as opening flood dams may bring respite to one area but cause devastation in another place or country as a result of the torrent of water released into already swollen rivers. Many thousands of people have been affected already, and food crops traditionally farmed in the lowland areas of central Europe have been lost as the floods drown the lands at a crucial point in the growing cycle. Food shortages later are likely, affecting many countries in Europe and beyond, another aspect of our global interconnectedness and dependency on each other. Meanwhile, the UK is enjoying unusually balmy weather with clear skies and warmth, and it is hard to believe that such contrasting conditions exist not so far away. Being an island country we will never be inundated directly by the river waters of our neighbours, but surrounded as we are by coast, we may be touched by the seas one day – and we have our own strong rivers too with minds of their own. Water cleanses and purifies, it irrigates and destroys and brings transformation through its destruction. It is the source of life and can take lives; it teaches and it warns, embraces and repels; it is you and I and how we feel. It is the voice and being which is God.]]>