Sunday 19 August 2018

Kerala limping back to normalcy

As the ''Rain God'' started blessing to the rain wreak havoc Kerala, the state was limping back to normalcy, as the water level started receding from almost all rivers, that overflowed because of the flood waters in the past one week.

The torrential rain that made the state virtually look like an ocean, submerging almost all the places in the state, causing thousands thrown out homeless, destroying properties and crops, which on preliminary evaluation went up to Rs 241 crore (since August 8), according to the Revenue Department expected to go further up to the tune of over Rs 20,000 crore.

Over 200 people lost their lives in the landslides and rain related incidents like flash flood waters, which submerged the low lying areas, particularly in Eranakulam, Thrissur, Alappuzha, Idukki, Wayanad, Malappuram and Pathanamthitta districts.

As per the preliminary reports, as many as 8,46,680 people from 2,07,640 families were shifted to 3,734 relief camps set up in various parts of the state.


The frantic dance of the rain, virtually paralysed the life in Kerala, as both the high range areas and low lying areas were isolated following flood water, which submerged these areas after the shutters of over 34 dams in the state opened, as the water level went up beyond its maximum storage capacity.

Besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh visited the state and assessed the flood situation in the state and announced an immediate relief fund of Rs 500 crore and Rs 100 respectively.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijyan during the meeting with the Prime Minister, sought an immediate assistance of Rs 2,000, projecting the estimated loss of Rs 20,000 crore.

As per the direction by PM Modi, 67 helicopters, 24 aircraft, 548 motorboats and thousands of rescue personal, including from Indian Navy, Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force, Coast Guard, other CAPFS had been pressed into action to rescue people, those who stranded on the upstairs of after the flood water submerged in the flash floods.

Besides this, more than 6,900 life jackets, 3,000 life buoys, 167 inflatable tower lights, 2,100 rain coats, 1,300 gumboots and 153 chain saws had been provided on the request by the state government.

So far various central ministries had made available food, water and medicines, which include three lakh food packets, six lakh MT of milk, 14 lakh litres of drinking water 150 potable water purification kits with capacity of one lakh litre each also provided to the state.

Besides defence people, local people, including fishermen, police, fire and rescue with the cooperation of local people, forgetting all the difference engaged in rescue operations, which succeeded in bringing down causalities in great extent.


As per the reports still large number of people were stranded on building roofs, the rescue personal were engaged to bring them to the relief camps. Since the climate is favourable as there was no rain since today morning, the rescue operations make more easy and expected to evacuate people from the flood hit areas.

Since the first ever flood situation that ever experienced in the history of the state, almost all state government extended their support, both in cash as well as food, medicine and other materials to the state.

Besides this, individuals, institutions, business community, Qatar and UAE government expressed their sad and provided funds to the state. Qatar government had already announced a relief of Rs 35 crore for rebuilding the rain rampaged state.

Cochin International Airport suspended its operation till August 26, as the flood water submerged its operational areas as well as its surrounding areas. In the wake of the closure of the airport, the Union Aviation Ministry had given clearance to operate small aircrafts to operate domestic flights to various destinations in the country.

Southern Railway suspended all its to and fro trains, evening long distance trains after the tracks in almost all railway tracks submerged. However, railway started trial run between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakaulam.

However, the road transport system was completely paralysed and stopped service after the national highway flooded.

Many roads are either washed away or completely damaged in the flash floods.

(Source: Web India)

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