Join reconstruction activities: Chief Minister

Says there should be unity and committed efforts in rehabilitation of the flood-hit

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has exhorted the public to set a model worth emulating by initiating the reconstruction and rehabilitation of flood victims.

In an article released here on Monday, Mr. Vijayan said those returning from relief camps should not have any difficulties in reaching home and have the confidence that the government and society are with them.

Torrential rain, problems in managing inter-State reservoirs and formation of low pressure belt are some of the main reasons that led to the disaster.

Disaster management could be planned only after considering the unique geographical features, demographic patterns and such others and the government had given due weightage to all such aspects while taking up the rescue operations. Almost all districts were affected by the rain and flood.

Considering the gravity of the crisis, the State government machinery, the National Disaster Response Force, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force put up concerted efforts and the public also joined hands to complement them.

Anticipating the disaster, warnings were issued in Wayanad, Ernakulam, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur districts too. People were evicted from areas prone to landslips.

The Cabinet meeting on August 8 discussed the possible impact of the disaster and relief measures needed. A State-level and district-level monitoring cells started functioning on August 9 itself. Top bureaucrats led by the Chief Secretary monitored the rescue and relief operations.

The State cell coordinated with the forces and others and monitored the operations round the clock. Review meetings were held twice a day. Fish workers, voluntary organisations, as well as social and political organisations made remarkable interventions to mitigate the crisis. All government departments, police, IAS and IPS officers, Ministers and elected representatives, Kudumbasree and Suchtiwa Mission also worked in tandem to overcome the crisis.

People from all over the country and abroad came out in support of the State. It was a rare show of unity and committed effort beyond all considerations. The rehabilitation activities too should be taken up in a similar manner, he said.