When the floods began children were happy. Schools were
closed. They could play in the rain and water. As the rain started to increase
in intensity the floods became more widespread and water levels began rising
causing damage to farms and houses. Dams were almost full. Water had to be
released from the dams which added to the problem. More than 300 people died in
the floods. Many wild animals would have died too.
Some people were stranded on roof tops. Power supply was cut
off in most places. Without electricity, life became difficult even for those
not affected by the floods. Their only means of communication is the mobile
phone which needs to be charged. Rescue teams from the army helped to get
people to the safety of relief camps which were set up by the state government.
Local fishermen came in their boats to lend a helping hand.
Some houses were swept away due to landslides. Some were
under water. As the floods recede and
people go back to their houses they will find most of their belongings damaged
by the dirty water. Cleaning up will require a lot of effort. Most of the
household appliances will have to be replaced. Meanwhile people have been
warned about the potential spread of waterborne diseases and advised to take
precautions. Most parts of Kollam district, where I live, were not really
affected by the floods. So, I was fortunate to have escaped the ordeal. All I
saw was some puddles around my house.
