Help awaits for Kerala

India rejects foreign aid for a flood-ravaged state

In the southern Indian state of Kerala, the worst flooding in a century has killed more than 350 people and displaced at least three-quarters of a million more. So it seems surprising that when other nations have offered aid, India has said “no.”

India has rejected several offers of foreign aid, most notably an offer of $100 million from the United Arab Emirates. The gulf state has a sizable community of Indian immigrants, many of them with ties to Kerala.

Thailand also offered assistance. When its aid was rebuffed, Thai officials were the first to tell the world that India intended not to accept any foreign assistance. Shortly after, India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the policy officially: “In line with the existing policy, the government is committed to meeting the requirements for relief and rehabilitation through domestic efforts.”

Meanwhile, the flooding in Kerala continues to hamper efforts to rescue people and get supplies into the region. The Indian central government has pledged $70 million in aid for Kerala and sent military units to assist with rescue efforts, but Kerala state authorities have pleaded for more help.

Once the monsoon rains stop and the flood water recedes, Kerala will need to be rebuilt. Officials have initially estimated the cost at about $3 billion. The Indian government has indicated that, while it will not accept aid from other countries, nongovernmental organizations can contribute through existing funds set up to help Kerala, including the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the ChiefMinister’s Relief Fund.

The international community is often at its best when countries can join together to help in times of disaster. It would appear that many nations have the desire and the means to lend a hand in this case.

Indian central government authorities should feel no responsibility to shoulder the burden of a oncein-a-century natural disaster alone. Let the community of global nations help.