A Brief Note On Kerala Floods

DEVASTATION OF GOD’S OWN LAND

Kerala God’s own land experienced some shocking floods in the last few years. Over 1/6 of the total population was directly affected by the flood. Over 650 people died and around 140 people went missing but at the same time, around 33,000 people were rescued. Over 3,274 relief camps were opened at various locations to help the people. Over 1,247,496 people found shelter in such camps. Property costing over 400 billion Indian rupees was damaged.

One of the main causes of the Kerala floods in excess of rain reaching a height of over 2000 mm. The low-pressure heavy rain led to landslide and several dams in the state overflew. Due to excessive rain, rivers like The Periyar River in Idukki district of Kerala which flew through the Mullaperiyar Dam overflew. Other than the Mullaperiyar Dam, there were 35 dams out of a total of 54 dams in the state which overflew. When the state received tremendously heavy rainfall for more than 2-3 days it resulted in the devastating floods in the state of Kerala.

RESCUE OPERATIONS

To save lives from this flood situation one of the largest rescue operations was made, consisting of 40 helicopters, 31 aircraft, 182 rescue teams, 18 medical teams of defense forces, 90 teams of NDRF and 3 companies of Central Armed Police Officers were asked to serve along with 500 boats and other equipment. Other than the rescue operation made by the government, there was another rescue operation that was made by the fishermen. Around 4537 fishermen from the fishermen community participated in the operation in 669 fishing boats and were successful in saving thousands of people. They worked hard to rescue various animals and other living beings.

DONATION, HELP, AND FUNDS

The government of Kerala also started a help website for the flood victims. Many people made donations by using the website to help the victims. The Prime Minister of India also announced a sum of 5 billion rupees' assistance. Humanitarian and financial assistance was also made by the governments of Europe, Qatar, Pakistan, Maldives, and Thailand. Similarly, a lot of help was also provided by the chief ministers of other states of India, members of parliament, legislative assemblies, civil servants, other government employees, and even many NGO’s and corporate companies.

THINGS TO BE KEPT IN MIND TO PREVENT FLOODS

Creating green roofs covered with vegetation so that they absorb the rainwater.
Separating rainwater from a sever system, so that the water management is improved and the sever system could be protected.
Keeping the sever system clean so that it can do its job.
Improve flood warning mechanisms so that more people can know and be prepared at the right time especially in coastal regions.
Creating a sponge city. A sponge city can hold, clean and drain water itself in a natural way.
Do a lot of vegetation at a personal level so that the rainwater can be absorbed by the soil.
Construct buildings above flood levels.
Making rainwater harvesting plants so that the rainwater could be used effectively.

By: Toshani Mehra
School: Delhi Public School
Class: 7th