The heavy downpour in Kerala, God’s Own Country, has led to flooding, loss of lives and landslides. The southwest monsoon has been vigorous over Kerala, resulting in heavy rain in various parts of the State for the past two days. It is the heaviest rainfall that the State had witnessed in 50 years. The hilly Idukki besides Wayanad, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta districts are the worst-hit. In the heavy rain, so far, 29 people have lost their lives.
People in Tamilnadu will understand the pain better than anyone else. The devastation that they saw in 2015 floods followed by Vardah cyclone in the very next year is still fresh in their minds. Many haven’t recovered from the two blows. As a result, people here are voluntarily contributing relief materials to be sent to Kerala. Various NGOs have taken up the task. Remember, Tamilnadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami immediately announced Rs 5 crore as assistance for the neighbouring State.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made an aerial survey of flood-affected areas. The Centre assured all assistance to the State government after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke about the situation with Pinarayi Vijayan. Kudos to the Army, Navy and Coast Guard, who are carrying out relief and rescue operations round-the-clock.