Kerala has been witnessing one of the worst disasters in its history; the state has been submerged in massive floods since the end of July. Apart from the constant heavy rains, the Idukki and Mullaperiyar dams’ water levels rose to extreme heights, and for the first time since 1992, the Idukki Dam had to be opened to prevent a massive calamity and to stabilize the water levels. Over 33 shutters have to be opened. What it resulted is in the water overflowing in 41 rivers and reaching populated areas in the Kochi Aluva region. A red alert has been announced in 14 districts of Kerala. Hilly districts such as Wayanad and Idukki are cut off from the rest of the states due to the possibility of landslides. Cochin International airport, located in Nedumbassery, has been shut down till August 18. KSRTC (Kerala State Road Transport Corporation) has shut down several bus and train services. Ernakulam city is completely closed. Munnar, one of the favorite holiday destinations, is submerged as per several reports. Sabarimala is also closed.
So far, the estimated loss is Rs.8,000 crores.
Thousands have lost their houses and other properties to this disaster. More than ten thousand people have been moved to rehabilitation camps. Poorest of the poor are affected the most with many losing their businesses and homes. There are both water and electricity issues. As per today’s reports, over 94 people have died in this disaster. There is a shortage of food, water, and other facilities.
Tribal communities of Wayanad are being neglected. People are stranded in different areas at Idukki. The Neyyar area in Thiruvananthapuram is under threat and the Army has been dispatched to help the same.
What Can You Do To Help?
Each and every donation matters during this calamity. Lets put our ideas and ideologies aside and stand united as Indians. Amidst all this, I am glad to see the center and opposition working hard together to overcome this disaster. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has launched CM distress relief fund. You can donate to this website https://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/
If you want to send a cheque or DD, more details are given here. You can send food, water, utensils, clothes are other resources to Kannur and Idukki.
Help Kerala get through this. Let’s stand united.