I AM not sure which saddens me most, the devastation in India following the earthquake or the letter from Emma Watts (February 5) suggesting too much is being made of the floods in North Yorkshire.

I cannot believe Emma Watts fully understands the after-effects of being flooded out of your home, in my case a home for more than 30 years.

This includes the loss of treasured possessions, not to mention the upheaval of moving out for five to seven months.

While she says she appreciates the concern for flood victims, I take exception to her seemingly-thoughtless comments in her letter.

We are British and write in the media about British problems.

The local press, including this newspaper, has given excellent coverage from day one and followed it right through to the present day.

I also think her comments are an insult to the excellent work done by all those concerned.

I fully understand the terrible losses of the people of India and their relatives and will be contributing to the relief fund.

However, I think Emma Watts should not put pen to paper on a subject she does not fully understand.

Gordon Todd,

Shipton Road,

Rawcliffe, York.

Updated: 10:33 Thursday, February 08, 2001