Masters of Health Magazine September 2018 | Page 59

Much of Kerala, in southern India, was recently submerged from record breaking, torrential rainfall. The release of 33 dams added further flooding and damage, which forced 1.5 million people to seek refuge in evacuation camps. To date, these floods and landslides have claimed the lives of over 483.

The government said that more than 10,000 kilometres (6,000 miles) of roads have been destroyed or damaged; 50,000 houses had been wiped out; and an estimated 57,000 hectares of crops were destroyed. Plus, a large number of small and medium-scale enterprises were also heavily damaged by the floodwaters. Currently, 59,000 people remain in evacuation camps.

There is now a massive effort to clean-up and rebuild houses, roads, and infrastructure. Control of disease is also a high priority with warnings for water-borne diseases, such as leptospirosis. People returning to their homes have been told to stay alert, as receding waters leave behind a glut of poisonous snakes.

The aftermath of such a disaster has a terrible impact on the people affected. The Isa Viswa Prajnana Trust (IVPT), based in the capital of Kerala—Trivandrum—is reaching out to the flood-affected people to help rebuild their lives and communities. Their volunteers have also been working hard, distributing food packets and supplies to the poor areas.

To assist in IVPT’s flood relief efforts, the Isalayam France Centre has set up a fundraising campaign. For those who would like to help, please click on the DONATE TODAY button below.

Thank you!

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Click the link to watch the video of IVPT's flood outreach in Trivandrum, Kerala