Nation must come together in support of Kerala
The worst floods in living memory which have inundated Kerala are taking a very heavy toll and our hearts go out to the affected. But the deluge has also thrown up a learning — of how a disaster management regime in which Centre, State and local authorities come together can go some way in mitigating suffering. Nevertheless, the scale of the disaster was unprecedented. The fury of the floods, due to the southwest monsoon which was 30 per cent in excess in these parts, has seen Kerala witness its worst floods since 1924. Already, more than 320 lives have been lost and lakhs of people have been displaced. Preliminary assessments have already pegged the loss at nearly Rs 8,500 crore. Instead of exchanging barbs, however, authorities have undertaken a massive rescue operation. The NDRF were rushed in by the Centre and the Armed Forces deployed. The State Government is working 24x7 to reach out to all those who need help and the State's manpower, logistical and financial resources have been well-directed in the main. Helicopters too have pressed into service to rescue those marooned in far-flung and/or inaccessible areas. But there is no room for complacency and these efforts need to be sustained. Civil society too must do more especially in providing effective rehabilitation measures and ensuring the prevention of epidemics.