Floodwater starts to recede in Ernakulam

Kochi: Water level started to recede from Saturday morning bringing much respite to thousands of families in the district. Water level in river Periyar, Muvattupuzha river and Chalakudy river dipped as discharge from dams reduced.

Water from Muvattupuzha, Kothamangalam, Aluva, Kalady and several low-lying villages receded. All roads in town areas are clear with regular traffic. There are 135 relief camps with 5103 families in the district. Paravur taluk has highest number of camps, 48. A total of 15 relief camps were closed down on Saturday.

Though water receded from houses, families in relief camps areas are reluctant to return to home as rains continue.

"Though water retreated, we are afraid of going back to homes as rains have not yet subsided. There are infants and aged people. What will we do if heavy rains continue and water level spurts immediately during night," asked Valsala K, a camp inmate at Chendamangalam.

Unlike last year, most of the families left their homes well in advance in flood path areas like Palathuruth near Chendamangalam.  

"There are more than 530 families in the village of which only couple of people remain here. Many people moved to their relatives' houses and are still afraid of returning," said Nazar Mohammed, a rescue volunteer.

In Paravur, an area devastated in previous year's extreme natural calamity, more than 2000 houses have been flooded this time. More than 70,000 houses inundated last year.

"Compared to 2018, the intensity and impact of floods are less. But unfortunately, the worst hit families of 2018 are the victims again this year. And most of these families have not yet received the financial assistance promised by the government, except the initial aid of Rs.10,000," said V D Satheesan MLA.

In the weavers' village of Chendamangalam, functioning of handloom units operating in houses has been affected.