‚ÄúWe cannot prevent hurricanes or earthquakes, floods or volcanic eruptions. But we can ensure that both people and communities are better prepared and more resilient‚Äù –Miroslav Lajcak.
Approximately 164 people have died in devastating monsoon floods in the state of Kerala. There is a huge destruction caused in the state but still the National media has convenietly avoided and is busy covering other issues, while the International media is taking in concern as a major issue, is reporting about it! And National Media not only neglected the issue but mocked the entire scenario.
Kerala is in the midst of an flood havoc. The calamity has caused misery and devastation. Many lives are lost. Thousands of homes are totally destroyed. For the first time in history, 27 dams in the State had to be opened. Never before had the State witnessed a calamity of this scale.Kerala has witnessed 2nd worst flood after 1924.
The officials of the state announced the entire state was subject to Red Alert on Wednesday.
Many people have become homeless, 14 districts severely affected,13 bridges collapsed, 10,000 km roads destroyed, 28000 hectare agricultural lost, 33 dams opened, 20,000 houses damaged, 211 landslides, 180000 farmers affected.
Boats have been deployed across the state to reach thousands of people stranded by floodwater.
Railway and Road transport has been halted with railway tracks, roads are submerged under water. The international airport in the city of Kochi have been suspended due to flooding. Kochi metro operations have also been suspended until the water recedes.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has asked the defense ministry to step up a relief and rescue operations in Kerala. “Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala,” Prime Minister tweeted.
The state has been experiencing heavy rainfall that has resulted in dams filling. Water has had to be periodically released from these dams which have resulted in severe flooding in many areas of the state.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in Kerala for the coming four days.The torrential rains since August 8, has triggered landslides and floods.
Many parts of Kochi have been flooded. Aluva is one of the worst-affected areas of the state. Fresh landslides were reported from southern Kerala’s Idukki and the northern districts of Malappuram and Kannur.
Popular tourist destinations like Munnar and Ponmudi are almost cut-off because of bad roads due to landslides. People have also been asked not to visit the Sabarimala hill shrine as the water level in the rain-fed Pampa River is very high.
Measures Taken by the Government :
1. An alarming situation has developed in Alapuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta, where roads have become submerged. Mainly, areas of Thrissur and Chalakudy towns are under water. Now the Water has even started entering relief camps. More number of boats and four choppers have been deployed in the area.
2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “Had a telephone conversation with Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan just now. We discussed the flood situation across the state and reviewed rescue operations. Later this evening, I will be heading to Kerala to take stock of the unfortunate situation due to flooding.”.
3. Telecom operators have announced free call and data services and other relief measures for a week for users in Kerala.
4. A helicopter for each district :¬†Ministry of Defence has decided to deploy at least one helicopter at each district headquarter in Kerala,said Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. She added that almost 450 motorized boats will be provided to the State government. “Rest will be taken on hire & provided by armed forces” she wrote on Twitter.
5. Plea to postpone National-level exams in Kerala : A group of job applicants appearing for various national-level selection examinations have urged the authorities to postpone all such examinations in Kerala in view of the continuing flood havoc.
6. Drinking water supply remains disrupted : Drinking water supply in all districts except Kasargod remains disrupted as treatment plants remain inundated.
7. Many Relief camps to be set up at Thrissur.
Measures taken by DU students
Well the fight against the flood not ends here, various DU colleges have started a donation drive and are ready to provide the help to the people of Kerala.
Colleges like Shri Ram College of Commerce, Ramjas College, Hindu College, Daulat Ram College, Miranada House, Hansraj College are providing help to the people by donating medicines, clothes, mats, bed sheets, towels and etc.
The DU Colleges believe it is a question of the survival. This is the only thing we can do as a responsible citizens. Empathizing with the victim and donating generously will definitely help the people in need.
Also Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called for help to rebuild the lives of people in the state. “At this of point of time, nothing can help as much as money,” Those who wish to send essential services like mattress, toiletries, medicines, food grains, furniture, clothes can contact the emergency operations center at the district Collect orates. The toll-free number is 1077.
Finacial assistance can be provided using the CM’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).
If you choose to donate online,account details are as follows-
A/c Number : 67319948232
A/c Name: Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund
Branch: City Branch, Thiruvananthapuram
IFSC : SBIN0070028
Click here to visit the Official Relief Fund Page of Kerala Government
