Sun rises in Kerala again; all weather warnings withdrawn

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The total number of rescued persons in flood hit areas of the state was 602 on Monday, a figure not at all on par with the 22,034 rescued on Sunday. The huge drop in the figure bought cheers to the state as it is a clear indication that the worst crisis it had faced ever has been over. The

weather prediction

for the next five days adds to relief as IMD has withdrawn all

weather warnings

in the state. It has predicted light and moderate rainfall in the state for the next five days.

All worst hit places including Chengannur, Aranmula and Chalakudy are slowly coming back to normal life. With water level receding, many have come back to their houses and began cleaning activity themselves. The government has announced that cleaning, electrical work and plumbing work of the inundated houses will be carried out by it.

On Monday, confirmed deaths were only eight, four of whom had died in the collapse of a rehabilitation centre in Ernakulam. Total number of deaths since August 8 when the last spell of rain started is 223. As many as 10,28,073 people including 4,51,929 women, 3,99,649 men and 1,76,495 children below 12-years of age are now living in 3,274 relief camps. Rescue workers will continue to work in flood hit areas on Tuesday too for searching all premises. “We will continue rescue until the last person is saved”, said chief minister Vijayan.

As announced by the CM on Sunday, the government machinery has moved to relief and rehabilitation measures. The CM on Monday requested all people of Kerala to avoid luxury events for the time being. “We have cancelled Onam celebrations. Similarly, we request all to cancel luxury events planned and contribute the money meant for the task to CMDRF”, he said.

The management of the unprecedented crisis by the state government has turned out to be a model in crisis management. With a population density of 860 per square km against the national average of 362 per square km, the flood would have caused more severe damages. The presence of 80 dams and the fact that 10% of the land of the state is under sea water level has added more complexity to the crisis.

The central government, armed forces, NDRF, KSDMA, state police and revenue department worked as a single body to deal with the calamity. The decision to bring NDRF and armed forces on board in the first phase of the crisis when flood hit four districts was the turning point in managing the crisis. When the calamity spread to other districts, the centre was promptly apprised of the gravity and more forces were rushed.

When the extent of damage grew beyond all estimates, an army of fishermen were called in to assist rescuers. The pace of rescue increased exponentially with each fishing boat on ground saving hundreds a day. The good work of the fishermen moved hearts and was well acknowledged by the government. On August 26, a grand reception will be organised for fishermen heroes in the state capital.

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