Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan: Stand by us during these testing times

Unprecedented downpour and floods in Kerala have resulted in heavy loss of life, immeasurable misery and devastation. As is known to all, the calamity with its hitherto unheard of dimensions relegated our state and its people to a pitiable plight. The magnitude of the havoc truly gets reflected in the fact that a vast area of the state still remains submerged in flood waters.

As of now, 372 lives have been lost since the onset of monsoon. Over 26,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. Crops spread over 40,000 hectares have been lost. We have lost more than 2 lakh poultry and at least 46,000 milch animals. Floods have washed away many multi storied buildings, shops and commercial establishments. Several roads in the state have been severely damaged, with some roads being completely washed away by the flood waters. Even bridges have collapsed. Telephone network and electricity lines have been damaged. The power sector has suffered losses of around ₹750 crore and the water sector's losses are close to ₹900 crore. The preliminary assessment of losses comes around ₹20,000 core. It goes without saying that the actuals will steadily go up once the water recedes and the final assessment is made.

To put it in a nutshell, the size of the loss caused by the calamity is equal to the size of the annual plan, the state has chalked out for 2018-2019. I need not have to tell you that Kerala on its own will not be in a position to mobilise the required resources to bridge the gap, reclaim and rebuild.

Since the state is densely populated and the entire state is having an infrastructural network, the loss suffered by the state is huge in nature and is something which cannot be compared to the damage suffered by any other part of the country at any point of time. Against this backdrop one can easily come to the conclusion that Kerala requires a different yardstick.

Torrential rains have forced temporary closure of the Kochi airport and train services had to be put on hold. More than 300 landslides have occurred, resulting in hills being razed in several places. Our major rivers like Bharathapuzha, Periyar, Chalakkudy and Pamba have altered course in several places. Several parts of the state had been cut off, and remained as stranded islands, inaccessible by road or water transport, for days together. The actual figures of total losses are likely to be much higher, considering the fact that several places are still under water.

Despite such adverse situations, the people of Kerala came together behind the State Government of Kerala which ensured that people are evacuated and rehabilitated properly in relief camps. There are over four thousand relief camps which house nearly 14 lakh people, most of whom have been brought to safety as part of the rescue operation which is almost over. Though it is coming to a close, teams are still vigilant against any possible eventualities.

The massive rescue operation was coordinated by the state, together with the central government. Our own Police and Fire Force were deployed across the affected areas. Alongside, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and NDRF did a great job in coordination with the state authorities. Elected representatives, Volunteers and Fishermen were also actively taking part. Ministers and Collectors are coordinating the relief efforts at the district level. Youth of the state deserves a special mention for their selfless and dedicated service which set a high bar for possible disaster management situations in the times to come. Our fisher folks deserve accolades for the courageous and timely intervention that rescued a lot. A wide range of people, right from the fisher folk to the well trained defence commandos did exemplary work in saving the lives of those who were stranded in islands of isolation.

During the operations we have had the service of 59 NDRF teams along with their 207 boats, 23 Army columns with their 104 BAUTs (Boat Assault Universal Type), 94 rescue teams from Navy along with one medical team, 9 helicopters, 2 fixed wing aircrafts and 94 boats, 36 teams from Coast Guard with their 49 boats, 2 helicopters, 23 fixed wing helicopters, 2 fixed wing and 27 hired boats, 22 helicopters of Air Force and their 23 fixed wing aircrafts, one company of Border Security Force, 10 teams from CRPF and 2 companies of BSF along with one water vehicle team. It is for the first time that such a massive rescue operation of this magnitude is being conducted anywhere in India.

Synergy between the state forces, local authorities, elected representatives, local people and the central teams was of a unique blend. What ensured it was the meticulous planning, rigorous assessment of the ground realities, efficient use of technology, resolve of people and flawless coordination on the part of the State. Since August 9 CMO, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and State Control Cell were working round the clock, monitoring the situation and coordinating various streams of rescue efforts.

We have to adopt a two pronged strategy comprising on the one hand reclamation of the submerged lands and on the other restoration of whatever infrastructure facilities we had there. No less important is the task of bringing life back to normalcy in the state. Transcending all barriers, the people of Kerala are joining hands for this effort. We will have to run the camps at least for three or four weeks.

By this time we have to cleanse the houses affected by the flood. Local authorities have been directed to help the families in cleansing. Health authorities are taking every precaution to ensure the well being of the people there and to see that there will not be any epidemic breakout. We are making use of all public sector institutions such as TCCL, KSDP etc. for creating a healthy environment in the affected areas.

It is heartening to note that noble minds from all over the world are coming to help us at this point of agony. Considering the magnitude of the devastation that has happened in Kerala, the Centre has released ₹100 crore for immediate relief. The Prime Minister immediately after his aerial survey announced that ₹500 crore will be made available to the State in addition to the amount announced earlier. It is with a thankful heart that we take note of the fact that foreign countries ranging from the UAE to Qatar have come forward with their promise of assistance.

Kerala is facing its biggest calamity in 100 years. I know pretty well that all who have a concern towards our state which figures in the southernmost tip of our land will come in a big way to our aid. Help from all around the world will go a long way in our efforts to overcome this calamity.

I take this opportunity to express the sincere gratitude of the people of Kerala to all who have been kind enough to stand by us during these testing times.