Roads were blocked by fallen trees, floodwaters, and landslides. They also protect the berm from erosion by high winds, freak waves and subsiding floodwaters. Numerous villages were either completely submerged in floodwaters or destroyed. Aid trucks were forced to ford floodwaters and mudslides on National Route 1. Alluvial soils carried in the floodwaters add nutrients to the floodplains. After the floodwaters had receded, the growing season lasted from October to February. Floodwaters and sewage contaminated Rand Memorial Hospital. Roads were also blocked by floodwaters or debris, hampering relief efforts. More than 1800 people drowned and tens of thousands were trapped by the floodwaters. The unit successfully rescued families from rising floodwaters. United States military helicopters worked to rescue people trapped by the floodwaters. As a result of erosion caused by the floodwaters, properties ended up bordering cliffs. More than 1,000 people were rescued from floodwaters. Roads were obstructed by both floodwaters and fallen objects. Many people died and survivors suffered through the damage of the widespread floodwaters.