Kochi: Several families in the flood path areas in Paravur taluk in Ernakulam district have no place to go when relief camps are closed. The houses inundated in last year's floods suffered irreparable damage in heavy rains this year. They have become un-habitable, and the families are in despair.
Many families in low lying areas in Kunnukara and Puthenvelikkara panchayats, the worst affected regions in Ernakulam have been shifted to relief camps. Though water rec-eded in other parts, many houses in Kozhuthuruth, Thenapuram, Kunnukara and Thelathuruth remain inundated.
“In Kunnukara there are 12 families whose houses have been completely damaged, and they have no place to go. They are now staying at the four relief camps functioning in the panchayat. Of the 12 families, two have been already staying at relatives’ houses. Houses of 10 families are in a precarious condition, and it is risky to live there. Hence, the panchayat has to open permanent shelters for them,” said Francis Tharayil, panchayat president.
“None of these families have received financial assistance from the government to repair their houses damaged in 2018 August floods.” Similarly, there are nearly 15 families in Thenapuram in Puthenvelikkara panchayat, a regular water-logging area, whose houses are in pathetic condition.
“As the nearby paddy fields and canals have been filled or encroached upon, water will enter these houses during heavy rains. The families whose properties were completely submerged last year didn’t get any assistance. Floodw-aters have further weakened the buildings, and it is dangerous for the families to go back to the houses,” said M. P. Shajan, convener of Biodiversity Com-mittee in Puthenvelikkara panchayat.
