It is when adversity strikes that the best in any community is revealed. The deluge of 2018 gave the Kerala Police force, a much maligned organisation, a humane face with the huge number of rescue and rehabilitation efforts that the members of the force were involved in. Even as a few cases of custodial deaths had occurred in the recent past, by and large the force has been lauded for its vigilance in keeping crime rate down as well as its exemplary example in solving crimes post haste.
In the health sector, the outbreak of Nipha earlier last year and the flood that followed soon after prompted the health sector to act fast and that has brought it many laurels from all quarters, even a couple of national level recognition.
The tourism sector, which fared badly with cancellation of bookings last year as a result of the flood, bounced back with a brand new campaign ‘Human by Nature.’ It was also quite successful in holding the Kerala Travel Mart soon after the deluge. This year, falling footfalls due to natural calamities in the state have forced the tourism industry to look beyond its traditional markets to the CIS countries and the People’s Republic of China.
In each of these sectors, the resilience of the people of the state was brought to the forefront. Even as the government at the centre failed to rise up to the occasion and extend adequate resources during the floods and immediately after, there weren’t much complaints from the people of the state other than the odd television debate where there were a few name calling. Of course, the diaspora of Keralites extended a helping hand.
People friendly police
It was at the initiative of Mr.PinarayiVijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, that the state police force stepped out of their comfort zones and led by example. Even as Mr.Vijayan, who is also the Minister for Home, sitting in the state capital, directed the operations on the ground, it was the local police personnel who came to the rescue of many a soul who were stranded in their villages and towns as the flood waters inundated their dwellings.
As the local police personnel were more familiar with the terrain that fall under the jurisdiction of the police station, Mr.Vijayan wanted them to be the first line of contact for all rescue operations. As Mr.LoknathBehera IPS, Director General of Police, Kerala, said, “Operation Jalraksha was a grand success as the people who were stranded felt more safe when the police personnel they knew came to rescue them.”
Again it was at this trying times that the decade-long efforts of the people friendly police or Janamaithri Police bore fruit and helped the police as well as the community in quickly starting the rescue operations. A majority of the police force of Kerala were closely involved in one way or other in the flood rescue and relief efforts. And the people of the state worked hand-in-hand with the police force in rescue operations.
Right from the first few hours on August 15 when rain unleashed its full force and flood was gathering pace, overcoming adverse circumstances the police force was leading the rescue efforts. Even in the absence of adequate equipment and with only alertness, physical ability and courage, the police force rescued many people from the verge of certain death. Police officers who had clear idea about the places continued the rescue efforts without even pausing for food or rest. This reflected its unity, physical and mental capability and self-sacrifice
The State police force published a comprehensive report, ‘Kerala Floods 2018’ — Rescue and Relief Activities of Kerala Police — A Study’. It was undertaken by the research wing of Kerala Police and was directed by Dr. B. Sandhya IPS, Additional Director General of Police (Training) and Director, Kerala Police Academy.
Over 50 tourists, including 24 foreigners from Russia, Saudi Arabia and other countries, were stranded at Plum Judy resort at Pallivasal in Munnar in Idukki district. They were later rescued after road connection was restored.
The United Nations in a report had tabulated the state’s total loss in 2018 floods at Rs. 31,000 crores. A survey by the UN’s Post Disaster Needs Assessment had tabulated the loss in various sectors as cited here. In the construction sector it was Rs. 5,443 crores; in the health sector Rs. 600 crores; education Rs.214 crores; in culture Rs.80 crores; farming, animal husbandry and fisheries Rs. 4,498 crores; drinking water and cleaning Rs.1,331crores; transport Rs. 10,046 crores and electricity at Rs.1,483 crores.
One group that made the biggest difference during the ‘flood of the century’ was the fishermen of the state. As almost the entire state was under water they came in their hundreds, tagging along with their simple fishing boats and proved to the difference between life and death for millions who were stranded in their homes that were cut off due to the flood waters. The fishermen who had no formal training in saving lives or disaster management acted like a well-trained force, reaching remote places where NDRF and Navy boats could not reach. They brought millions to safety and also provided food and other essential supplies to others.
For their selfless service, the whole state came together to salute them and the Chief Minister PinarayiVijayan called them Kerala’s own navy. A year after their heroic act, 177 fishermen were officially inducted in the Kerala Police force. The fishermen who underwent training in various aspects of policing are now be a part of Kerala’s Coastal Police.
The personnel of the Fire & Rescue Services did a commendable job during the worst of the floods across the state in reaching and rescuing people during the most adverse weather conditions. Their efforts were not much appreciated during or after the floods.
The Public Works department did a commendable job to bring back the majority of the roads in the state to working condition following the deluge. It was no easy task to clean up and restore the road network as in most places they were swept away leaving not much other than mud and rubble. Even as rains continue to lash parts of Kerala in 2019, except for Ernakulam, roads in the rest of the state have been restored for vehicle traffic.
Another government agency that had to work round the clock during and after the 2018 floods was the Kerala State Electricity Board. The KSEB workers had to work day and night, often in adverse conditions, to restore power supply and replace damaged lines and transformers across the state. They came in for much criticism soon after the flood and rain unleashed their fury on the land and the people.
