Distribution of flood relief material at Sultan Bathery

On 12 August 2019, Don Bosco College Sultan Bathery supported by BREADS Bangalore, handed over 200 blankets at the Civil Station, Bathery.  Fr. Sojan Panachickal SDB handed over the blankets to Mr. Tomichan Antony, Junior Superintendent cum Additional Tahsildar, Bathery. Mr. Yesudas, Additional Tahsildar, Bathery was also present on the occasion.

In prompt response to the situation, the taluk administration had opened many relief collection centres; one of which is the civil station Bathery.   The relief materials collected here are later distributed to the flood relief camps. The direct distribution of materials to relief camps is discouraged by the taluk officials to ensure one-window distribution. The situation on the ground was already getting better and few families had returned to their respective houses.

On the second day, BREADS Bangalore visited the relief camps nearby along with the social work students of Don Bosco College, Sultan Bathery. The team along with Fr. Sojan visited the flood-affected areas in Panamaram, Wayanad district and visited few houses near the flooded river banks.  The water level had reduced and the families were in the process of cleaning their houses.  No huge damage has been reported. Further, the team organised a meeting with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) office, Panamaram. As the final decision of the meeting, DB Sultan Bathery was requested to take up two divisions namely Bathery and Padichira, for the electrical repairs of around 90 houses. Later, the team visited the flood relief camp at the Government Higher Secondary School, Panamaram. Around 1200 people including men, women, and children were still in the camp. Entry and photography in the camp was restricted and only government representatives and NGOs were allowed inside. Students of DB College (social work department) and CHILDLINE conduct recreational activities for children along and provide the evacuees psychosocial assistance. The camps are directly monitored by the district collectorate under the supervision of the village office.