More than just nature’s wrath
Kerala must now try and make itself more climate-resilient
India is not new to natural disasters. But even by what we have seen to date, the situation in Kerala is extraordinary: At least 245 people have died in the deluge so far; hundreds of thousands are homeless, and all most all districts are under water. The Prime Minister has announced a relief of ₹500 crore. While the state struggles to find the reason behind this fury — experts say, the floods are due to unscientific development activities — and tries to ramp up its already stretched rescue efforts, there is another challenge lurking round the corner: a post-disaster crisis. One of the main challenges after disasters is a health crisis, sparked as much by the scarcity of drinking water as the presence of contaminated potable water. Floodwater is not plain rain; it is contaminated with sewage and chemicals and can hide sharp objects made of metal or glass.
Sewage can cause boils or rashes on parts of the body and chemicals can cause the skin and eye infections and damage after exposure. Then there is the stomach bug or respiratory infection to deal with. That means the state government has to press additional medical personnel into service.
But there is also another invisible attendant crisis: post-traumatic disorders. The most immediate and typical reaction to a calamity is shock, say experts, but can give way to an overemotional state that often includes high levels of anxiety, guilt or depression. Along with health, the next challenge will be to tackle the rehabilitation and infrastructure challenge: schools and hospitals have to be reopened; houses, roads and bridges need to be repaired/rebuilt; electricity has to be restored; and food stocks have to be made available.
In the middle of every crisis, however, lies an opportunity. From what is happening in Kerala, there are only two ways to go: one, continue on the unsustainable development path or make a U-turn and think proactively about making the state climate-resilient. The choice should not too be too difficult to make.