Kerala Flood Emergency Response
Kerala Flood Emergency Response
In 2018, Kerala was facing an unusually high amount of rainfall, which caused flooding and deaths. The government said that this had not happened in the past century, and that the death toll was rising with each day. Nearly 8-10 million people were moved to relief camps across the state. Roads were blocked by the flooding and landslides, and there was no safe drinking water or food. Power and electricity were scarce, and many people were stranded on their roofs. As the water receded, the extent of the tragedy began to be revealed.
At this time of emergency, the Board for Research Education and Development (BREAD) also extended its help to Kuttanad, one of the most flood-ravaged regions in the state. BREAD initiated efforts to ensure that camp residents were able to transition back to normal life as soon as possible once the flood waters receded. Toward this end, assessment visits were conducted to identify the most essential items needed by the residents. These visits revealed that food and drinking water are the most immediate needs for the poor and needy, so BREAD decided to provide essential food supplies to thousands of vulnerable families returning from relief camps. Specifically, to ensure that residents of Kainakary and Nedumudi had access to food, including rice, cooking vessels and LPG stoves for cooking.
After the immediate emergency response, BREAD continued to extend help in the successive year too by providing finance assistance
- Computer Lab: to reset the computer lab that was washed away by the flood waters in two schools of Kainakary
- RO water purifier: Realizing the need of safe drinking water BREAD set up a RO water purifier of 1000 Ltr per hour for the public in Kainakary panchayat which was a great relief for the people; surrounded by water from all sides but still struggling daily to manage safe drinking water for the family.
- PSC coaching center: BREAD noticed the strong demographic dividend of the area and could realize how due to unemployment the dividend is turning into curse than a blessing. BREAD provided financial assistance in setting up a PSC coaching center, to help them develop the attitude for the state exams and jobs. The aim was to provide the best coaching to the youths and transform them into big assets.
