1.   But clean water is in short supply in both regions, and epidemics are certain to ravage the ragged columns of fleeing people.

2.   Rifles held across their waists, they made their way to the road in a ragged column.

3.   But there was little sign of anyone seeking revenge against the ragged column filing home.

4.   But there was little sign of anybody seeking revenge against the ragged column filing home.

5.   There was little sign of anybody seeking revenge against the ragged column of exiles.