At This Thrissur Relief Camp, People Optimistic About Rescue Ops

Video Producer: Shohini Bose

Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

At the onset of torrential rain in Kerala earlier in August, the district of Thrissur was relatively untouched by rising water levels. However, the last 48 hours of torrential rains hit the district, leaving several low lying areas inundated.

Parts of the district were cut off from the rest of the state, due to landslides on the national highways and rivers that inundated several bridges. However, within 24 hours, people were moved to relief camps set up in churches and schools across the Thrissur town.

The Quint visited one such relief camp set up in Holy Family School in Chembukkavu, which is home to over 700 persons whose houses are underwater. The Quint found the spirit of Kerala well and truly alive, with people at the camp expressing their optimism about the relief operations.

The flood victims were provided with food and clothing, and their medical needs were taken care of.

There are around 650 people here. There was water on the ground floors of buildings. All household equipment have been ruined. People had to flee without even taking their clothes. When we reached here, there were people waiting for us with food, clothes and other things. I was happy to see that there is still so much goodness in the state. People were there to help, irrespective of caste or religion.

Adv Subi Babu, Thrissur Resident 

At midnight, water started coming into the homes. We had to sit on chairs on top of beds to keep our heads above water. We shouted for help when boats were passing by and they signalled that they will come later. I tried to reach the terrace of the next house with my family but I was too short to keep my head out of the water. Someone helped me sit on top of a wall. That man over there sat me on his shoulders and took me to the terrace. We were starving.

Sunita, Thrissur Resident

The school claimed that from NGOs to local restaurants, they have been receiving supplies from generous donors.

There is no shortage of medical supplies. Supplies have been brought from hospitals. There are 3-4 doctors here as well. There are no caste or religious divides here. Supplies have been brought from almost all of the shops in Thrissur. Look at the bread – there is enough to last tomorrow as well. There are more sacks inside. There is no shortage of anything.

Sister Rosenthal

Similarly, the Chaldean Syrian College and Church has thrown open its classrooms for stranded passengers and travellers who were affected.