Don Bosco Alappuzha – A place of refuge for the victims of flood

Kerala has witnessed the worst floods of the century. Over 483 people died and 14 are missing. At least a million people were evacuated. One-sixth of the total population of Kerala has been directly affected by the floods and related incidents. Alappuzha was one of the worst affected districts. Kuttanadu started flooding from 9^th August 2018 onwards due to heavy rains and the opening of the dams; and people had to flee from their homes. The Don Bosco Fathers at St. Maximillan Kolbe Church, Mangalam of Alappuzha Diocese opened their parish hall for relief camp on 17^th August. Around 320 people from 76 families were hosted in the parish hall. They were mostly from Kuttanadu, Ramankari, Nedumudy, Pallathuruthy, Kainakary, Chambakkulam, Kavalam, Muttar and Thakazhy villages. The camp continued for 14 days.

Initially relief supplies were given to the people in the camp. They were provided with rice, groceries, clothes, vegetables, water, firewood, etc. They were also provided with 100 mats, 100 bed sheets, and 40 ladies’ dresses. The Don Bosco Fathers also reached out to people in Harippad, Kaithavana, Cheppad, Muttinagam, Perandoor, Kaithavana and Chennithala areas as these were also the worst affected areas. While leaving the camp, 250 people were given packets of 5kg rice. A total of 914 people were helped by the Don Bosco Fathers in Alappuzha. KCYM (Kerala Catholic Youth Movement), Ward Councillor, Jesus Youth, and Parish Committee members were actively involved with the Fathers for flood relief activities. All the relief activities were spearheaded by Fr. Thomas Mekkattuparambil SDB supported by BREADS, Bangalore.