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Cataclysm Quote by Richard Erdoes

“A tremendous thunderclap was heard, the loudest there has ever been ... The sun remained hidden behind dark clouds, and there was only twilight, gray and misty. Then the earth trembled, and there came a great roar of something immense moving. The people saw a sheer green wall advancing toward…” quote by Richard Erdoes
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““A tremendous thunderclap was heard, the loudest there has ever been ... The sun remained hidden behind dark clouds, and there was only twilight, gray and misty. Then the earth trembled, and there came a great roar of something immense moving. The people saw a sheer green wall advancing toward them, filling the valley from one side to the other. At first they did not know what it was, and then they realized that it was a wall of green water. Destroying everything in its path, it came like a huge beast, a green monster, rushing upon them, foaming, hissing, in a cloud of spray. It engulfed the seer's house and carried it away with the seer, who was never seen again. Then the water fell upon the villages, sweeping away homes, people, fields and trees. The flood swept the valley clean as with a broom. Then it rushed on beyond the valley to wreak havoc elsewhere.””

Richard Erdoes

About This Quote

Source Short Story: The Flood Legend, unknown source

A massive green water flood destroys everything, symbolizing unstoppable natural forces and loss.

In simple terms: A huge flood wipes out a valley.

Key Takeaway

Respect nature’s power and prepare for disaster.

Themes

nature disaster loss survival

Mood

awe foreboding serious

Type

narrative warning

When to use this quote

  • urban planning
  • emergency preparedness
  • environmental education
  • community resilience

Key Concepts

catastrophe force of nature impermanence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can societies better anticipate sudden natural disasters?
  • What personal habits help cope with unexpected loss?
A Different Perspective

Even the strongest structures can be overwhelmed by natural events.

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