Understanding the need of the time- Flood relief activities by Don Bosco Kottiyam

Kerala has suffered a loss of Rs. 40,000 crore, as per initial estimates, caused by the rains that ravaged the State last month. The major problem faced by the people after the water receded was the mud and dirt accumulated in the houses and on the roads  About 6.89 lakh dwellings have been cleaned under the leadership of civic bodies.

The community of Don Bosco, Kottiyam was also actively involved in the flood relief work with the participation of Salesians, College teachers, students and technicians of Don Bosco College, Kottiyam. They reached out to more than 800 people in five relief camps (King’s School, Kottiyam, Govt. UP School, Mylakkad, St. John’s High School, Iravipuram, Kottarakkara, Fathima church Padanilam, Chengannoor) at Kollam and Alappuzha and provided food, water and sleeping mats.

 In addition, the NSS volunteers of Don Bosco College joined the initiative of the Kerala University in cleaning the schools and colleges of the flood affected areas, especially Kuttanad, Chengannur and Thiruvalla. The NSS volunteers from Don Bosco College cleaned two schools in Thiruvalla. The venture was supported by the Indian Railways by providing free travel for the volunteers. Three staff members accompanied the 18 volunteers who participated in the programme.

A village in Arnamula was very badly affected by the floods. Almost all the houses in the area were submerged and all their household utensils were lost in water and mud. A kit of household utensils was given to each of the 200 families in Aranmula by Don Bosco, Kottiyam. And also a group of technically qualified electricians, plumbers and carpenters was gathered and trained for 10 days and deployed in Aranmula for repairs and maintenance of the flood affected houses. This service is rendered free of cost.

The project is headed by Rev. Fr. Antree SDB and all the activities of Don Bosco, Kottiyam were supported by BREADS Bangalore.