KERALA FLOODS 2018

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.