India: Thousands displaced by 'unprecedented floods'

Source: Caritas India/CBCI

Torrential rains, overflowing rivers, landslides and bridge collapses have resulted in the death of at least 75 people in southern India's Kerala state, where the monsoon has turned out to be the worst in almost a century.

India's Catholic bishops have expressed their "profound grief and sorrow at the unprecedented floods" that are "causing heavy loss of lives and damage to crops, houses, cattle and property." "We share the anguish of the people affected by this huge natural disaster and we wish to express our closeness to them," they said in a statement.

An estimated 75,000 people are in relief camps. Kochi airport, Kochi Metro and Southern Railways have suspended their operations. While Kerala is bracing for more rains in the coming days, water in various dams continue to rise to dangerous levels.

Heavy rains and winds that are likely to continue until Saturday, forced state authorities to release excess water from dozens of dams, causing floods downstream that have submerged vast areas in 12 out of 14 districts in the state.

CBCI secretary general Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas, expressed appreciation for the "quick and efficient relief work" by local and state and union government authorities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and asked the defence ministry to accelerate relief and rescue operations across the state.

Caritas India is working at the grassroots levels through the local bishops, clergy, religious sisters and lay volunteers to aid the affected people. Church schools and institutions have been open to the displaced, and food, clothes and other relief materials are being distributed to those affected.

The bishops stated that Caritas is extending help to all regardless of faith or class, and have called on all people of good will across the country and elsewhere to lend a helping hand.

For latest reports from Caritas India, see: http://caritasindia.org