Since the beginning of the week, the heavy rainfall and the consequent floods have devastated the state of Kerala claiming the lives of many and displacing thousands. Rescue efforts are in full swing with the help of local administrators everywhere. The rainfall situation has partially subsided in central Kerala but the threat of landslides and severe waterlogging across multiple districts persists. Kerala has seen a series of natural disasters in the past four years, causing loss of lives and property. During the last week, the residents of Kerala especially from the district of Kottayam have witnessed a tragedy of such magnitude for the first time.
Amid the grim situation, on 18th October, the KISMAT state team under the leadership of Fr. Tony Plavilayil (State director, KISMAT) at Kottayam came forward to help the people who are facing the deluge. The volunteers have taken up the relief and rescue operations on a war-footing basis where they distributed food packets and groceries to the affected people at various places in the district. The range of activities included providing temporary shelter for affected people, gathering food and other materials for relief camps, and counselling for women and children who are affected mentally. The relief activities were carried out in the areas of Koottickal, Chappath, Plappally, Poovanjimala, Vettukallamkuzhi, Chelikund of Mundakayam town of Kottayam district.
The volunteers also started working on mobilizing relief materials in close coordination with the district administration. During rescue and relief operations, people from neighborhood groups extended exemplary assistance in all possible ways.
