It’s being called the flood of the century. Torrential rains & strong winds over three weeks have devastated God’s own country, Kerala. It has already received 30% more rain than its annual average; rains in the state often last till November.

34 dams are spewing water, 44 rivers are in spate. 12 of the state’s 14 districts are submerged. 36 locations are battling landslides. More than Rs 11,000 crore in damages. Such devastation was last seen in 1924, long before Indian Independence.

• 1,287 of 1,553 Kerala villages affected.
• More than 6.5 Lakh people from 70,000 families.
• 3.14 Lakh people living in 2084 relief camps.
• 50,000 people waiting to be rescued
• 24,000 hectares of agricultural land lost.
• 2000 houses destroyed, 9000 partially damaged
• No drinking water for more than half the people of Malappuram, Palakkad & Kozhikode
• Kochi international airport shut for 4 days, rail services disrupted, roads blocked or washed away.
• More than 324 dead

Farmers, daily wage workers & agricultural labourers won’t earn anything for the next 2-3 months. Thousands have no homes to go back to. Lakhs need food, clothes, beds, mosquito nets, medicines, drinking water supplies and temporary shelters. Sanitation & hygiene has been severely compromised, the risk of epidemics is at an all-time high. After all these needs are met, there is a need for longer-term rehabilitation, reconstruction and livelihood support for affected families.

Scheduled Caste and tribal-dominated areas in Wayanad & Idukki are completely cut off. Caste biases often lead these groups to be ignored even during relief efforts, something not always reflected in media reports. Women, children & the aged are extremely vulnerable in such situations.

CARITAS RESPONSE

Caritas India has already released Rs. 61 lakhs for immediate relief operations. As time goes by, this figure is likely to grow.

Since mid-July, all 31 of our Diocesan Social Service Society (DSSS) partners in Kerala have been at Ground Zero in Wayanad, Kottayam, Changanacherry, Punalur, Vijaypuram, Kothamangalam, Verapoly, Palai, Mavelikara, Cochin and Thamarassery, helping affected communities.

A host of relief organizations & government agencies have now made a beeline to the beleaguered state of Kerala. As a member of the United Nation’s Inter Agency Group (IAG), we are co-ordinating with all of them – local & international humanitarian aid agencies, district administrations and local village relief committees.

CARITAS APPEAL

Even 72 years after our Independence, millions of our countrymen are at the mercy of nature. This is our chance to show our solidarity with those who have lost everything. Those who are desperate for help.

Caritas India is the social service arm of the Catholic Church in Kerala. Like we always have for the past 56 years, we’re rushing to their aid.

We appeal to all Indians, to come join hands with us. In times like this, every second, every rupee counts. If you’d like to fight the good fight, search for Caritas India on Facebook or log onto www.caritasindia.org. Or call us 011-23363390. And make a small contribution to the cause.

We appeal especially to all Catholics for help, in this hour of dire need. Remember, our Lord said, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren, that you do unto me.”

And we appeal to the famous Kerala diaspora, spread out across India and the globe. Your motherland is suffering. Will you join us, as we try to help her?