Stand by us in these Testing Times: Pinarayi Vijayan

Aug 24, 2018
New Delhi: The Kerala government today released an article written by Chief Minister Pebayari Vijyan on the devastating floods in his state. Following is the text of the write up:

”Unprecedented downpour and floods in Kerala have resulted in heavy loss of life, immeasurable misery and devastation. As is known to all, the calamity with its hitherto unheard of dimensions relegated our state and its people to a pitiable plight. The magnitude of the havoc truly gets reflected in the fact that a vast area of the state still remains submerged in flood waters.

As of now, 372 lives have been lost since the onset of monsoon. Over 26,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. Crops spread over 40,000 hectares have been lost. We have lost more than 2 lakh poultry and at least 46,000 milch animals. Floods have washed away many multi storied buildings, shops and commercial establishments.

Several roads in the state have been severely damaged, with some roads being completely washed away by the flood waters. Even bridges have collapsed. Telephone network and electricity lines have been damaged. The power sector has suffered losses of around Rs. 750 Crore and the water sector’s losses are close to Rs. 900 Crore.

The preliminary assessment of losses comes around Rs. 20,000 Core. It goes without saying that the actuals will steadily go up once the water recedes and the final assessment is made. To put it in a nutshell, the size of the loss caused by the calamity is equal to the size of the annual plan, the state has chalked out for 2018-2019.

I need not have to tell you that Kerala on its own will not be in a position to mobilize the required resources to bridge the gap, reclaim and rebuild.

Since the state is densely populated and the entire state is having an infrastructural network, the loss suffered by the state is huge in nature and is something which cannot be compared to the damage suffered by any other part of the country at any point of time. Against this backdrop one can easily come to the conclusion that Kerala requires a different yardstick.

Torrential rains have forced temporary closure of the Kochi airport and train services had to be put on hold. More than 300 landslides have occurred, resulting in hills being razed in several places.

Our major rivers like Bharathapuzha, Periyar, Chalakkudy and Pamba have altered course in several places. Several parts of the state had been cut off, and remained as stranded islands, inaccessible by road or water transport, for days together. The actual figures of total losses are likely to be much higher, considering the fact that several places are still under water.

Despite such adverse situations, the people of Kerala came together behind the State Government of Kerala which ensured that people are evacuated and rehabilitated properly in relief camps. There are over four thousand relief camps which house nearly 14 lakh people, most of whom have been brought to safety as part of the rescue operation which is almost over. Though it is coming to a close, teams are still vigilant against any possible eventualities.

The massive rescue operation was coordinated by the state, together with the central government. Our own Police and Fire Force were deployed across the affected areas. Alongside, Army, Navy, Coast Guard and NDRF did a great job in coordination with the state authorities. Elected representatives, Volunteers and Fishermen were also actively taking part.

Ministers and Collectors are coordinating the relief efforts at the district level. Youth of the state deserves a special mention for their selfless and dedicated service which set a high bar for possible disaster management situations in the times to come. Our fisher folks deserve accolades for the courageous and timely intervention that rescued a lot.

A wide range of people, right from the fisher folk to the well trained defence commandos did exemplary work in saving the lives of those who were stranded in islands of isolation.

During the operations we have had the service of 59 NDRF teams along with their 207 boats, 23 Army columns with their 104 BAUTs (Boat Assault Universal Type), 94 rescue teams from Navy along with one medical team, 9 helicopters, 2 fixed wing aircrafts and 94 boats, 36 teams from Coast Guard with their 49 boats, 2 helicopters, 23 fixed wing helicopters, 2 fixed wing and 27 hired boats, 22 helicopters of Air Force and their 23 fixed wing aircrafts, one company of Border Security Force, 10 teams from CRPF and 2 companies of BSF along with one water vehicle team. It is for the first time that such a massive rescue operation of this magnitude is being conducted anywhere in India.

Synergy between the state forces, local authorities, elected representatives, local people and the central teams was of a unique blend. What ensured it was the meticulous planning, rigorous assessment of the ground realities, efficient use of technology, resolve of people and flawless coordination on the part of the State.

Since August 9 CMO, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and State Control Cell were working round the clock, monitoring the situation and coordinating various streams of rescue efforts.

We have to adopt a two pronged strategy comprising on the one hand reclamation of the submerged lands and on the other restoration of whatever infrastructure facilities we had there. No less important is the task of bringing life back to normalcy in the state. Transcending all barriers, the people of Kerala are joining hands for this effort. We will have to run the camps at least for three or four weeks.

By this time we have to cleanse the houses affected by the flood. Local authorities have been directed to help the families in cleansing. Health authorities are taking every precaution to ensure the well being of the people there and to see that there will not be any epidemic breakout. We are making use of all public sector institutions such as TCCL, KSDP etc. for creating a healthy environment in the affected areas.

It is heartening to note that noble minds from all over the world are coming to help us at this point of agony. Considering the magnitude of the devastation that has happened in Kerala, the Centre has released Rs. 100 Crores for immediate relief.

The Prime Minister immediately after his aerial survey announced that Rs. 500 Crores will be made available to the State in addition to the amount announced earlier. It is with a thankful heart that we take note of the fact that foreign countries ranging from the UAE to Qatar have come forward with their promise of assistance.

Kerala is facing its biggest calamity in 100 years. I know pretty well that all who have a concern towards our state which figures in the southernmost tip of our land will come in a big way to our aid. Help from all around the world will go a long way in our efforts to overcome this calamity.

I take this opportunity to express the sincere gratitude of the people of Kerala to all who have been kind enough to stand by us during these testing times.”
—Pinarayi Vijayan

Shia leaders demand death for Hafiz Saeed, seek justice for 26/11 victims

Lucknow: The All India Shia Husaini Fund members have demanded justice for the 26/11 Mumbai attack victims by hanging its mastermind, Hafiz Saeed. Shia religious leaders and intellectuals from different...

Hundreds of jail police personnel go on mass CL in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: Hundreds of police personnel serving at various jails in Gujarat on Wednesday went on a mass casual leave demanding a pay hike at par with other police personnel and State...

Centre bans PFI, all its affiliates for 5 years. Here are key reasons

After two rounds of nationwide raids and arrests of over 240 members, the Centre on Wednesday banned the contentious Popular Front of India (PFI) and all its affiliates, excluding the...

Home Ministry all set to ban PFI after studying possible legal challenges

New Delhi: Days after the NIA and the ED raided several locations linked to the Popular Front of India (PFI) across the country, the Union Home Ministry is planning to...

ISI & Khalistani connections of Goldy Brar, Bishnoi

New Delhi, Sep 12 (IANS) The NIA sources have said that Goldy Brar and Lawrence Bishnoi gangs have contacts with Canada-based Khalistani elements and Pakistan-based ISI agents, and these gangs were...

IT sleuths seized our phones, cloned data, claim Oxfam, IPSMF

Days after the Income Tax Department carried out “surveys action” at their premises, Oxfam India and the Independent and Public-Spirited Media Foundation (IPSMF) alleged that the I-T personnel confiscated phones...

IS claims 1st Indian suicide bomber was Keralite Christian converted to Islam; agencies begin probe

Thiruvananthapuram: The Central intelligence agencies have commenced a probe after an article in the IS mouthpiece 'Voice of Koharasan' mentioned that 'the first Indian suicide bomber for them was a Keralite...

Hijab row not a controversy, but conspiracy against India: BJP

New Delhi: Referring to a plea in the Karnataka High Court to defer hearing on the 'hijab' row till the Assembly polls were over, the BJP has raised questions over the...

Congress to support BJP-backed Meghalaya govt

Shillong: In a significant political development, all five Congress MLAs in Meghalaya on Tuesday told Chief Minister Conrad Sangma that they wish to join the National People's Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic...

From reality to fiction, a tale of two opposites

New Delhi: Perhaps one becomes a different person after retirement? Released from the pressures and restrictions of a professional career you can give free rein to talents that remained dormant...

Ruins of ancient Sun temple in UP gets govt’s attention

Pratapgarh (Uttar Pradesh) Plans are afoot to revive a 8th century Sun temple, located in a Uttar Pradesh village in Pratapgarh district. A joint team of the state tourism department...

BHU scientist warns against ‘unscientific’ tree plantation

Varanasi: Even as Uttar Pradesh undertakes a massive tree plantation drive, a retired scientist and river engineer from the Banaras Hindu university (BHU) has warned against "unscientific plantation of trees...

Read Previous

Delhi Metro to run extra trips on Raksha Bandhan

Read Next

SCNL partners with global leaders to increase access to solar products in India

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

WP2Social Auto Publish Powered By : XYZScripts.com