Kerala Floods: Time to Come Together and Support Kerala

Over 10,00,000 people have been currently evacuated from the flooding situation and posted in around 4,000 relief camps. The help is reaching to these people from all over the country. Some are donating through NGOs, others are sending funds through Paytm, and many are personally visiting their family members. The whole country is reaching out for extreme support and everyone is grieving for the loss the people of Kerala have suffered.

How It All Started?

Due to unusually severe rainfall in Kerala region in late July, the whole city saw one of the worst floods ever. Around 373 people succumbed to death in a night and many others were injured. Most people were evacuated from areas Pandanad, Aluva, Chengannur, Aranmula, Kuttanad, Pandalam, Chalakudy, and 14 other high alert places.

One thing that happened first time in Kerala, from 42 dams, 35 were opened because of the overflowing gates. In fact, all 5 gates of Idukki Dam were opened together after 26 years. Wayanad and Idukki areas suffered extreme landslides because of the heavy rains and the hilly districts are now completely isolated.

What Caused Flooding in Kerala?

On the evening of August 8, 2018, Kerala encountered heavy rainfall, which accumulated 12 inches of rainwater. Looking at the condition, all the dams were opened as the water was about to reach the overflow zone, which flooded low-lying areas of Kerala.

Most of the regions in Kerala, which are affected by flooding, were already classified as ESZs (ecologically sensitive zones) by the Gadgil Committee. The recommendations and suggestions made by the committee were neglected and no actions were taken. This is also why many people state Kerala floods as a man-made calamity.

Impact on People of Kerala

Since the impact of Kerala floods is huge, it is greatly affecting the lives of people in Kerala. The water treatment plants have been closed leaving people with a shortage of clean, drinking water. Hundreds and thousands of villages are destroyed and reduced to ruins by rainfall. The Cochin International Airport has been shut down till August 26 as the runway is filled with water. Cochin Metro operations have been ceased and tourists are banned from entering flood-prone areas.

Rescue Operation and Help

Approximately, 52 rescue teams are working to evacuate people of Kerala including Indian Army, Indian Navy, Kerala Police, and Kerala Rescue department. Even locals, fishermen and other people, are helping in the rescue operation. Just yesterday, I was watching the news and I saw that a woman was crying on camera because she met someone she knew. It was a relief to her to reach back to safety.

It is definitely a tough time for not only Kerala but also for everybody in the country. It is a time when we should all come together and support because if it was us in place them, we would need help from our people.

Gathering Help through HRs 

Just yesterday, I saw a colleague donate some money for Kerala flood relief via Paytm application. Then, it occurred to me, why are we not making a collective effort? I reached out to my HR department and received some great reviews. They helped me analyze how we can collect items for Kerala people inside the office only. People can bring in food, money, or clothing, obviously all things new. One great idea is to donate medicines and water, as these will be required more than anything else. After all, food, water, medicines, and clothing are basic necessities of flood-affected people right now. Hence, we have formulated a plan with the whole human resource team, and now, we are encouraging our employees to step up. Here, my team and I don’t mean to send help only via our company, but, we are, in general, helping employees to support either via office or other mediums. We have guided employees about the ways they can assist Kerala flood people and everyone has already started doing their bid.

With this, I would like to request everyone out there to donate as much as you can. Even if it is just INR 100, it matters. So, all the HRs please come together for a cause and help people of Kerala.  

Suggestions and comments welcome

Rakesh Jain

ceo@paysquare.com