#Keralafloods: Let's talk about Kerala's unsung heroes, the fishermen
Yesterday Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced that 90% of rescue operations in the state has been completed, thanks to NGOs, government agencies like NDRF, the Indian Navy, et al, and of course individuals. But if there is a group that's working selflessly and tirelessly towards the massive rescue operation, it has to be the fishermen. Let's talk about these unsung heroes of Kerala.
In action: 675 fishermen, more than 250 boats deployed
Reports suggest that a stunning 675 fishermen residing in coastal areas like Vypin, Cherai and Allappuzha have sacrificed their daily earnings to save their state. Deploying more than 250 boats since Friday, these men are rescuing thousands, who've been left stranded due to the flood. In Ernakulam alone, they saved a whopping 18,000 people on Saturday out of 54,000 rescued that day.
One went down on all fours to help people
What's more endearing is the way they're doing it! While one has gone down on all fours to help people climb onto his boat, by stepping on him, another saved a family in Aluva which was helplessly stuck for 72 hours! There's also one Siddharth, who saved 150 people in Kerala's Thrissur area, only to learn that his own house is submerged under water.
Thrissur: See how the fisherman helped people climb onto boat
The twin-engine country boats are made of wood and fibre
Apart from the proficiency fishermen have in handling water, their boats too have been designed in such a way that they can easily tackle strong undercurrents and withstand damage. Made of wood and fiber, the twin-engine country boats can navigate in any kind of water.
'It's not for money we're doing this, but for satisfaction'
The reason why they jumped into action isn't money, but the satisfaction of saving lives. Says one, "We aren't getting a single rupee for what we are doing, but that isn't why we are doing this. We are saving lives," and that's the biggest remuneration for them. They, however, asked for life vests and rain heart, but "we still haven't received anything."
"Without fishermen, Chengannur would have been a catastrophe'
The fishermen even didn't wait for government-aid. Instead they pooled in money and hired trucks to carry their boats to flood-hit places. For a structured approach, they have collaborated with the police to get notified of afflicted areas. Government and public alike have lauded their efforts. Chengannur MLA Saji Cherian emphasized without the fishermen's help, his area would have faced a catastrophe.
Government to grant fishermen Rs. 3K for each day's work
"CM Vijayan announced that the Government will honor fishing workers who were part of the rescue mission. All boats will be granted Rs. 3,000 for each day of their work. Government will also bear the repairing costs of boats damaged," read CMO-Kerala's August 19 tweet.
