People of deluge-battered Kerala on Tuesday started leaving relief camps for their flood-ravaged houses in large numbers as floodwaters receded in several areas even as the State Government began devising plans and strategies to mobilise resources for meeting relief and rehabilitation of the affected and post-deluge reconstruction for which funds to the tune of several billions of rupees would be required.
People returning home from relief camps are encountering unbearably painful sights as many of the houses have been destroyed or damaged and the still-standing houses and everything in them are blanketed by thick sheets of mud brought in by gushing floodwaters. Almost all of the flood-hit have lost all or most of the earnings and savings of their whole lives.
At least 260 people were killed in landslides and floods caused by the torrential rains that had pounded the State for 11 days since August 8 and more than 400 lives have been lost in rain-related incidents since the onset of southwest monsoon in the State on May 29. The rain fury has also caused losses in infrastructure, property and crops to the tune of several billions of rupees.
The situation has improved almost across the State as the rains have been staying away since Sunday and as the discharge of water from the reservoirs has been reduced considerably following drop bringing water level down in rivers. The rescue operations have been completed for all practical purposes but the efforts would continue till the last person stranded was rescued.
Those returning home in areas like Aluva, Paravur and other areas near Kochi, Chengannur in Alappuzha district and other places are facing shortage of water, food, essential commodities, clothes etc. Also, entire household implements including kitchen utensils are either lost or have been rendered absolutely useless.