In 1979, western India witnessed devastating floods. Thousands lost their lives and property worth crores were lost in towns and villages across Rajasthan, Gujarat and Maharashtra. But the worst-hit area in the 1979 floods was, undoubtedly, the Morvi-Malia belt near Rajkot in Gujarat.

About 1,200 people died in the Morvi region alone after the frenzied Machhu river overflowed into the town and its surrounding areas in the last week of August. A visit to the site revealed sights of mass destruction. According to relief workers, bloated bodies and animal carcasses floated through the streets, and survivors were seen hanging onto trees and rooftops. There were also some heart-wrenching scenes. Relief workers found the body of a young girl clutching the rakhi on the wrist of her brother. Father and son were found frozen to death on their easy chairs. But the most unfortunate incident occurred in a temple situated in the Vajepur area of Morvi. As soon as worshippers realised that water levels were rising, they got hold of a ladder and started scampering up the temple. However, the ladder broke mid-way, people waiting to climb to safety were soon washed away by the swirling waters.

Relief operation was hampered for days on end as foot-long layer of slush covered the entire town. With no mode of transport and electricity, work of collecting bodies was painfully slow. In fact, on the first day of the relief operation, only 30 bodies were lifted.

To help survivors get over the tragedy to help rebuild the township, the Times of India set up a relief fund. Started with an initial contribution from the Times Group,the fund's collection was used for constructing a primary school building in a village in Morvi. In another village, where women and children had to walk for three to four km for drinking water, TOIRF provided them with drinking water supply in thier own village.