Death toll soars as floods cripple Kerala
Rescue teams were struggling to reach thousands of people left stranded yesterday after the worst floods for a century in the Indian state of Kerala killed more than 350 people and displaced about 800,000.
With more heavy rains predicted, there were fears of disease spreading as thousands of people crammed into makeshift camps.
The death toll continued to climb as rescuers reached isolated communities marooned by the surging flood waters.
Whole villages have been swept away by landslides.
Army and naval teams spearheaded the relief effort to airlift food, medicine and drinking water to stricken areas across the southern state, one of India’s prime tourist destinations.
The international airport in the city of Kochi is scheduled to remain closed for another week, but a naval air base has been opened to some commercial flights and as a base for the relief effort.
Relentless monsoon downpours that began two weeks ago caused rivers to burst their banks and triggered landslides, devastating this usually picturesque floods and state, famed for its tranquil backwaters and beautiful beaches.
Officials have estimated the cost of the damage so far at almost NZ$4.8 billion. Despite the massive rescue effort, aid was still only trickling through to many areas yesterday.
A nationwide appeal for further funding has been launched, backed by politicians on all sides as well as Bollywood stars and cricketers.
Extraordinary tales of courage and generosity have begun to emerge from the disaster. One Christian priest has offered his land on high ground as a cemetery, for people of all faiths.
‘‘Naturally, when a calamity of this nature occurs there will be a problem of disposal of the dead,’’ Father Kuruvila Kulanjikompil Samuel said. ‘‘Anyone, irrespective of religion, caste, creed, class or sex, can be buried on my land. Allied organisations can help with burial procedures. As a Christian, I’m doing what I can.’’
A video posted online by a victim of the floods showed a local man trapped neck-deep in water inside his home. ‘‘It looks like water is rising to the second floor,’’ he said. ‘‘I hope you can see this. Please pray for us.’’ – The Times