21.   Doctors are rushing to distribute disinfectants and medicines to millions, in an attempt to prevent epidemics in areas where receding waters are uncovering sewage and chemical contamination.

22.   While the receding waters allowed some residents here to begin cleanup, others downstream were still barred from returning to their communities until the river subsides.

23.   Receding waters left a trail of debris Wednesday in streets and on fields, with housing materials, logs and cars caught in trees alongside the river.