Left homeless and with no belongings, thousands of families in Kerala have been hit by major flooding and landslides in the state.
Nearly 40 people have been killed as the month-long major flooding shows no end in sight.
According to the latest reports, the flood-hit areas have suffered losses running into millions of dollars.
The unprecedented rainfall, inundation and landslides that began during the monsoon season have forced authorities to open 22 dams across the central and northern districts of Kerala - imposing red alert in 11 of the 14 districts of the state.
After the water level in the Idukki dam, which is the highest arch dam located in the eastern part of the state started rising beyond its capacity, authorities opened five of its shutters flooding residential areas and wreaking huge damage to lives and properties. It's the first time the shutters of the dam were opened in 26 years.
There are a number of Australian Malayalees who hail from the flood affected areas of Idukki and Wayanad. The natural calamity has raised concerns among many who are worried about their extended family who live in these areas.
Idukki dam opens five shutters Source: facebook/idukkidam
“My in-laws live three kilometers away from the Idukki dam. Although they personally haven’t suffered any loss, the whole area is under water. The electricity connection in the area works on and off. The Cheruthoni bridge in the area is submerged and they are unable to travel with no public transport system in service,” says Melbourne based Nilson Cyriac to SBS Malayalam.
“The elderly parents often undergo treatment at the hospital near Cheruthoni. However, any emergency health situation can put them in trouble as the access to the area is limited. Also, they had to walk to shops now to buy things,” adds Mr Cyriac.
In addition to the hardship faced due to reduced transportation, people are also worried about the damage caused to agricultural lands.
Rescue workers save the child minutes before the bridge is submerged Source: Times of India
“I came to know about the seriousness of the situation after I received a photo from my brother in Kerala. My house is close to the Gavenny River at Mananthavadi in Wayanad district and it is for the first time in life that the river has overflowed to this extend,” says Mr Bobby Joseph.
“Most of the crops have been destroyed. We have pepper cultivation, vegetation, coffee plants in our land and there are every chances of it being damaged by the stagnant flood water,” shares Mr Joseph.
Dr Shaju Mani Kuthanappallil who hails from Idukki, shares concerns about the loss incurred to the people who rely on agriculture.
“In our earlier days it was a time for enjoyment when the dam opens its shutters. But the situation has changed considerably in the past couple of decades with major developments in the area surrounding the Periyar River where the water from the dam flows into.
“If such developments have been controlled, the situation would not have been this worse,” says Dr Kuthanappallil.
Although the water level in the dam has started decreasing, torrential rainfall has been predicted in these areas for a few more days.
Source: asianet
At this stage the shutters of the dams have not been closed causing concern amongst locals.
