KL-RAINS-VICTIMS

Kerala rains: People in relief camps too afraid to return home

Idukki(Ker), Aug 11(PTI) "We are frightened to return to

our homes," said women lodged in a relief camp here after they

were forced to leave their houses, which faced the threat of

flooding by gushing waters released from Idukki reservoir.

Most of those in the relief camp had to rush out of their

houses with only the clothes they were wearing, they said.

Muddy homes, wells brimming with dirty water, clogged

toilets, snakes and other reptiles crawling inside their

houses was giving them sleepless nights, they added.

Nearly 400 flood-affected people, including 85 children

from Keerithod in Kanjikuzhy panchayat near Cheruthoni are in

the camp for the past two days as a precautionary measure

after water was released from Idukki dam.

Eight villages have been affected due to the release of

water from the dam and nearly 1,000 people have been shifted

to 20 relief camps, official sources said.

All five shutters of Cheruthoni dam, part of Idukki

reservoir, were opened yesterday after incessant heavy rains

increased the water level in the reservoir.

This is for the first time in the history that all the

gates of the dam have been opened, underlying the gravity of

the situation.

"We had to rush out with few belongings. We do not know

what has happened to our homes," a woman said adding people

coming from the area told them that water was flowing like

"giant sea waves" in front of our homes.

"We are scared to return to our homes," she said.

However, life in the camp was quite comfortable. There is

a common kitchen and all of us are eating together, she added.

Tincy, a panchayat member said as prior warning about the

release of water had been issued, any kind of human casualty

was avoided.

Meanwhile, people living at Kariveli Mannapuram in Aluva

in Ernakulam district said mud and slush filled their homes

due to waterlogging and well water has turned muddy.

Farmers in Puthenvelikara said about one lakh banana

plants were destroyed in the region due to heavy rains and

sought the state government to provide compensation.

Bringing in some cheer in their hour of distress, noted

South Indian actor, Mammooty, visited a relief camp at

Parvoor in Ernakulam district last night and assured all

possible help to the people.

"Do not worry. We and several others are with you. What

you are going through now is only temporary. You will return

to your homes in a day," the 66-year-old actor said.

Some in the camp clicked pictures of the actor and even

posed for selfies with him.

The rain fury in the state has so far claimed 29 lives

besides causing heavy damage to crops and property.

More than 53,500 people were now staying in various

relief camps across the state.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)