It was raining as usual in the God's own country - Kerala, where rain is a part and parcel of normal life. Rainy days are much welcomed, even it is part of state's monsoon tourism.
But things took a different turn and the romantic rainfall turned out to be a nightmare for lakhs of family and still, they are in its clutch.
Timeline of Kerala Flood.
August 8 Kerala received rainfall of 310mm over 24 hrs.
August 9 For the first time in the last 26 years Idukki dam's shutter was opened. It was followed by the opening of several dams which resulted in a grave situation.
August 10 Almost half of Kerala started to sink. Cochin International Airport was closed down as the runway flooded.
August 11 There happened no improvement in the situation and in reality the situation turned worst as Red Alert was declared in 8 districts.
August 12 Torrential rainfall continued.
August 13 More landslides were reported and the water level of the Idukki dam reached 2397.94 feet causing a great threat to life and property.
August 14 All gates of Idukki dam was opened and red alert remained in 7 districts.
August 15 Gates of 35 Dams opened in Kerala which is first ever in the history of the state.
August 16: There was no decrease in rainfall and situation worsened in Idukki.
Southern railways and Kochi Metro suspended their operations.
August 17: The worst ever condition happened in Chengannur, Chalakudy, and Kalady. Chalakudy river reached 16 feet following the opening of dam shutters
August 18: Fisherman from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam took charge of the situation and they successfully rescued people from interiors of Chengannur.
August 19: Situation started to come back to control as rain weekend. 90% of Kuttanad resident were evacuated
August 20: Death Toll reached 252 and people in relief camps were around 10,29000. The total loss estimated was around 11,000.
Most Affected Areas
1. Aluva(Ernakulam)
2. Chalakudy(Thrissur)
3. Idukki
4. Chendamangalam (Ernakulam)
5. Paravoor
6. Chengannur
Relief reached in lightning speed
The flood took away the dreams of many and was left with no food and water. The Kerala flood saw a great response from less affected districts. Relief arrived from the less affected people and from neighbouring states .Trivandrum became the hub for collecting materials for relief camps. Youngsters were the main volunteers and social media especially Facebook turned as a control room by fb users for relief operations. Food materials and other necessities flowed to the affected people. Irrespective of religious and political difference people helped each other. Mosques and churches became relief camps. The most significant contribution was made by fisherfolk of Kollam. They took initiative to take their boat and transported to interiors of flooded areas to rescue the people stranded in their own homes. They were termed as the 'State's own Army ' by Chief minister for their selfless and relentless effort to rescue the stranded.
Great Flood equals Great Loss
Two weeks passed since the worst flood and the flood has claimed 483 lives and 14 people still remain missing. The loss for the government and people is beyond imagination. Millions are left homeless after the flood. The authorities estimated the cost for reconstruction of the state to exceed $3.7 billion. The loss to agriculture sector is severe that will affect the plight of farmers and also the loss to cattle is affecting the security of animal wealth.
Aftermath of flood
The chances for the outbreak of contagious diseases are too high in the post-flood scenario in Kerala. Several measures are taken to ensure safe drinking water and for the cleaning of wells through super chlorination. Awareness programs are conducted at all levels of administration. Parts of Kuttanad and Alappuzha districts are still submerged in water. The traces of water and dampness in homes are yet to vanish. Many homes in Kerala are not good to habitat and in need of maintenance. There are many houses which have to be rebuilt. The major investment of an average Keralite is in the construction of the home. Kerala has to be reconstructed, not only houses and buildings but also dams and roads. State Government is seeking help on this regard for the reconstruction of the state.
