Living through the biggest floods to hit Kerala since 1924…
I have memories of my grandfather saying there was a flood in Kerala in 1924, which killed thousands of people, when he was just three years old.
He does not remember any of it himself, but grew up hearing stories about it. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that 94 years later, I would get to experience such a flood from very close quarters.
I live in a town called Thiruvalla, which is just a few kilometres away from Chengannur, which experienced the full fury of the Kerala Rains. Chengannur boasts of a lot of people from the older generation, most of whose children work in the Gulf region and the USA.
The kids built big houses, erected high walls around it and protected the concrete roofs over their heads with another layer of sturdy metal cover. In the end, it was all these things that made rescuing people from the region such a huge nightmare.
Thiruvalla town, where I live, sits on higher ground and we were largely spared the fury of nature. However, I have been deeply involved with a lot of rescue and relief operations.The scenes I’ve seen are pathetic.
I visited at least 10 relief camps, based out of different schools, hospitals and churches around the region. Although things were initially chaotic, after three days of operations, there is more order now. People stand patiently in queues to receive flood relief materials and clothes that have been donated.
This is a catastrophic moment for Kerala. We knew something like this was coming for many years now, but we simply chose to ignore it. Deforestation was rampant, encroaching into the riverbed was an almost everyday occurrence.
Greedy rock quarry mafioso blasted their way deep into the heart of mother earth and it only served to increase the destruction manifold. Plastic filth that were thrown into rivers were flung mercilessly back at the polluters.
But despite all that has happened so far, Malayalees have fought back with great grit and determination. While the Indian government is yet to call it a national disaster and give abundant help, Non Resident Indians have sprung into action.
The call to help their motherland has been taken up earnestly and millions of Dollars have already been collected.
At this time of great need, we are very thankful to HH The Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani for announcing a $5m aid package. We also remember Qatar Charity for taking the initiative to help us get over the calamity.
Under HH the Amir @TamimBinHamad directives, $5 million has been allocated to the flood victims of #Kerala. We extend our sincere condolences to the victims’ families & to the Indian people, many who have contributed to Qatar’s development & wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
— عبدالله بن ناصر بن خليفة آل ثاني (@ANK_AlThani) August 18, 2018
We shall stand strong, and we shall overcome, one step at a time!
The primary cause for flooding was incessant rains for the last couple of months, which led to opening of all the major dam shutters. That led to the catastrophic flooding of low lying regions.
It is speculative to blame on deforestation or quarry mafia. Don't get me wrong - I'm also against exploitation of mother nature.
The fact is - this tragic domino effect was triggered by unusually heavy rains.