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I would use Ilford 400 BW loaded in a Nikon F100 with an ED series AF-S Nikkor 80-200mm 1:2.8D lens set on full auto. Go here and check out the shot with the above equipment:
http://www.rawbw.com/~cgrimes/TechWriting
I would accompany the photos with a dramatic account of the brave fire department rescue team as they battled the raging torrents and high winds to no avail. The poor son of a bitch was swept away.
Later, in the make-shift command center there was a prayer after the lattes and croissants were passed around. A strange good cheer seem to prevail in the gloomy green half light of the storm...
CG