The incessant torrential rains that continue to threaten more lives and the grey clouds that loom large over the southern state of Kerala, have been giving the locals, the government and the country many a reason to worry and lose sleep.

The unauthorised encroachments on the forest cover to mass deforestation and lack of concern towards the forest resources in the state are being blamed for the fatal floods, which have already claimed over 160 lives in Kerala, according to the latest reports.

Areas Of Concern

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The central and northern parts of Kerala have been affected the worst by the unceasing rainfall over the last few days. The death toll is on the rise even as we read about it and the floods are now being seen as a man-made disaster. 14 districts in the state continue to be on high alert with the gates of 35 out of a total of 39 dams being let open - a first in the history of the state.

Flight and train operations have been put on hold due to excessive flooding and landslides. The Southern Railways has cancelled or rescheduled more than 25 trains in Kerala and while the water level in the Periyar river continues to rise, the Kochi Airport is submerged in water and operations have been suspended till the 26th.

What The Experts Say

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Renowned environmental scientist Madhav Gadgil has spoken out, claiming that the flood in Kerala occurred due to the unreliable environmental policies that have been put in place. He also expressed that if the Gadgil committee report for the protection of Western Ghats was paid heed to by the Kerala government, this havoc could have been controlled. He has also put substantial blame on quarrying for the landslides that are also plaguing the state.

Losses That Are Increasing By The Day 

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Locals in Kerala continue to suffer as the water level continues to rise. The unceasing rains have claimed many lives by swallowing houses and destroying roadways. Numerous instances of losses have surfaced over the last few days. During a mudslide at Kolappad on Thursday, a woman was killed when her house gave way under the onslaught.

In another incident, 9 lives were taken away by a landslide in Vazhakkad on the afternoon of Wednesday, while the lives of a 6-year-old and her parents were lost, as the family was buried in their sleep in Pulikkal, when their house collapsed on Wednesday morning due to a landslide. 

More than one and a quarter lakh people have been shifted to approximately 1165 shelters around Kerala and another 4000 families have been evacuated from the areas around the 123-year-old Mullaperiyar dam - a displacement arising out of the loss to precious lives and property.

A Call For Help

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the situation remained unchanged seeking help and resources. The Prime Minister immediately responded with a press note stating that immediate help shall be put into effect and he is also set to visit Kerala today and undertake an aerial survey of the flood-hit state on Saturday. More help and resources can be expected to reach the state soon.

Do Your Bit & #StandWithKerala

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The mainstream media has been unable to report the incident efficiently and present the situation on the ground in its entirety. This is the time for the general public to make use of their social media outreach on a personal level and reach out to the masses to seek help and resources for the camps and shelters that are in operation in the flood-hit state, who are working day and night to provide for the ones suffering from the flood.

Here's how you can help those affected by the unprecedented floods in Kerala. Now you can make donations online to Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund through the site,  https://t.co/OFHTHlZ9by #KeralaFloods #StandWithKerala. pic.twitter.com/XNlBKqdCUT

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 14, 2018

Help By Donating Here: https://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/

Here Are The District Control Room Numbers

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Collectors of Kannur and Idukki have also sought help with non-monetary contributions such as clothes, blankets, utensils, grocery items, toiletries, umbrellas, non-perishable food items and other articles of immediate need.

You can send any of these items to the following addresses

1. Control Room, Collectorate, Kannur - 670002, Phone No. 9446682300, 04972700645

2. District Collector Idukki, Idukki Collectorate, Painavu P O, Kuyilimala, Idukki, PIN - 685603.

People can use Keralarescue.in to seek help with the location and specific needs and also to contribute as much as they can.

There are a lot more ways to reach out with help and we hope you will do your bit to ease the pain and loss of God's own country.