Kerala Church Helps Victims Affected By Floods, Landslides

As flooding and landslides continue causing disaster in Kerala since Aug. 7, church officials have helped to rehabilitate the affected people.

The monsoon floods have claimed at least 29 lives and washed away homes. Most of the village farmers have been displaced and have lost their homes and crops.

More than 53,000 people are taking shelter in state-run relief camps.

Ernakulam-Angamaly Archdiocese apostolic administrator Bishop Jacob Manathodath has requested church authorities under the diocese to open Christian schools and other institutions to the displaced people, and provide food, clothes, medical care and other relief materials.

Rescue agencies and voluntary groups, including churches, are rushing to the affected areas to provide support. Army, navy and air force personnel were called in to assist police and residents manage the havoc in the worst-affected six districts in the central and northern hilly areas of Kerala.

Shibu, a relief official told ucanews.com on Aug. 10 that nearly 200 army soldiers joined rescue workers in the worst-hit Ayannkulu, Idukki and Wayanad areas.