Kerala: Govt. cancels Onam celebrations owing to rains and floods
Ravaged by heavy rains and floods that have left at least 40 people dead, the Kerala government, on Tuesday, canceled this year's celebrations for Onam, Kerala's annual harvest festival. Notably, the rain and the floods in Kerala are the most devastating to have hit the state in nearly a century, and have displaced thousands, wrecked livelihoods, and destroyed infrastructure. Here's more.
A bit about the history of Onam
For those unaware, Onam is one of the most important festivals for Malayalis and is celebrated on the first month of the Malayalam solar calendar. This year, festivities were set to begin on Independence Day and last till August 24. The harvest festival is celebrated to welcome the demon king Mahabali, who is said to visit Kerala on the 10th day of Onam.
Money earmarked for Onam will be used for disaster relief
Understandably, owing to its importance to Malayali culture, the Kerala government had set aside Rs. 30cr for pan state cultural events celebrating Onam. However, in light of the devastation caused by recent rains and floods, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has decided to divert that amount to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund in a bid to help all those affected.
What the Kerala CM had to say about the cancelation
"What has occurred in our state has been the worst ever (disaster). A total of 444 villages have been affected...The people who are in distress will feel confident if all of us stand together especially at a time like this," said Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
Kerala has seen rain-induced destruction since August 8
Since August 8, Kerala has been lashed by heavy rains causing rivers to overflow and flood adjacent areas. Owing to rising water levels, the 27 dams have also opened their floodgates leading to widespread destruction of crops and property. Idukki and Wayanad districts have been the worst hit, followed by Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Ernakulam.
Measures to provide quick and efficient relief
To help people deal with the crisis CM Vijayan said that the Cabinet had decided to form a sub-committee to fast track implementation of relief and rehabilitation programs. Special courts will be set up in September to issue duplicate documents for those who lost valuable records. Additionally, the State Level Bankers Committee has been asked to promptly transfer compensation amounts without levying charges.
Things don't look good for Kerala, as of now
Meanwhile, Kerala's troubles continue. On Wednesday, operations at the Cochin International Airport were suspended till Saturday after flood waters submerged the runway. Additionally, sluice gates of a total of 33 dams have now been opened, leading authorities to sound a red alert for flooding in 12 districts. Kerala has also asked for more contingents from the NDRF and Army to help with the situation.
