Kerala floods: Technical assistance required as Kerala starts reconstruction
What's the story
With rains having petered out and flood waters receding, Kerala's efforts have shifted towards reconstruction and rehabilitation.
Yet, it's a long slope to climb, considering the damages the state has suffered.
With lots of work involving the reparation of plumbing and electrical works and cleaning of wells, among other things, demand for plumbers, electricians, and well-cleaners have hit new highs.
Here's more.
Current status
Union minister Alphons says Kerala doesn't need food or money
On Tuesday, Union minister KJ Alphons reiterated Kerala's need for technical assistance in reconstruction efforts.
With PM Modi having announced an interim relief of Rs. 500cr, people raising donations, and with a Rs. 700cr assistance package offered by UAE, Alphons said "money isn't a problem".
Neither is food, which is being provided "in plenty" by the government of India, an issue, Alphons added.
Data
Kerala's worst monsoon in over a century
Over 300 people have died in Kerala in this monsoon season owing to floods, and the state has suffered damages of crops and property in excess of Rs. 20,000cr. Between August 8 and 15, Kerala saw 250% more rainfall than normal.
Needs
Kerala needs "thousands" of electricians, carpenters, plumbers
However, Alphons added that lakhs of people currently remain homeless, and that there was scarce mobile connectivity and electricity supply in the state.
"We need technical help when the water level goes down. We need thousands of electricians, carpenters and plumbers to rush to Kerala. The biggest challenge right now is to rebuild," said Alphons in a call for help.
Response
Organizations and people are responding to Alphons' plea
Indeed, if reports are to be believed, demand for such technical work in Kerala has already gone up, with ToI reporting that calls for such services among locally available technical workers have increased.
Additionally, several organizations are planning to provide free services, with the Parishioners of Bethel Sulocko Church, Kalady, cleaning up flood-hit houses, and online handyman service, Fixall planning to pitch in.