In the same passage about monsoon floods, choose the most suitable verb to complete the clause "When the waters ___________" so that it correctly describes what happens after the flood level goes down.

Introduction / Context:
This cloze item continues the narrative of flood events caused by a strong monsoon. After describing the destruction caused by the floods, the passage moves to what happens when the water level reduces. The verb in the blank must be a natural and commonly used choice to describe floodwaters going down after a peak.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The fragment reads "When the waters ___________, a familiar cycle of assessment of damage by Central teams, preparation of loss estimates and expensive restoration work will follow." • The options are "rush back", "recede", "flow away", and "ebb". • The sentence is written in a formal editorial style.

Concept / Approach:
To describe floodwaters going down, journalists and officials often use the verb "recede", which means to move back from a previous high position or to diminish. While "ebb" can also refer to water levels decreasing, "recede" is more frequently used with "waters" and "floods" in modern newspaper writing. The verb must also fit smoothly into the clause "When the waters ...", so we must choose the one that best maintains both clarity and style.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Insert "rush back": "When the waters rush back..." This suggests water returning to a place quickly, which is the opposite of what happens after a flood peak. Step 2: Insert "recede": "When the waters recede..." This perfectly expresses the idea that floodwaters go down and withdraw from flooded areas. Step 3: Try "flow away": "When the waters flow away..." While understandable, this phrase is less precise and does not capture the idea of water level dropping from a previously high mark. Step 4: Try "ebb": "When the waters ebb..." This is grammatically possible and has a similar meaning, but is slightly more literary and less common in standard news reports than "recede". Step 5: Conclude that "recede" is the best match for context, precision, and common usage.

Verification / Alternative check:
Reading the full sentence with the chosen verb gives: "When the waters recede, a familiar cycle of assessment of damage by Central teams, preparation of loss estimates and expensive restoration work will follow." This sentence echoes many real reports on flood affected regions, where the phrase "after the waters recede" is very common. This consistency with real world usage strengthens confidence that "recede" is the intended answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
"Rush back" implies water moving quickly toward a place, as in a returning tide or a sudden wave, which does not fit the idea of floodwaters subsiding. "Flow away" is too general and does not clearly express the lowering of water level that reveals damage. "Ebb" can be used for tides and levels declining, but in modern reporting "recede" is the more natural and commonly used choice with "waters" in this context.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes pick any option that roughly matches the meaning of "go away" without considering which word collocates most strongly with "waters" and "floods" in authentic texts. Another mistake is to overlook the direction implied by the verb, as in "rush back", which conveys movement in the wrong direction. To improve accuracy, regularly read news articles about natural events and pay attention to the specific verbs used to describe rising and falling water levels.

Final Answer:
The correct verb to fill the blank is recede.