∸ Fishermen Community Development Programme ∸

Flood – 2018 & 2019

Beginning on 15 August 2018, severe floods affected the state of Kerala, due to unusually high rainfall during the monsoon season. It was the worst flooding in Kerala in nearly a century. Over 483 people died, and at least a million people were evacuated. All 14 districts of the state were placed on red alert. One-sixth of the total population of kerala were directly affected by the floods and related incidents. The Government of India declared it a Level 3 Calamity, or "calamityof a severe nature".

Fishermen Community Development Programme (FCDP) and TeeradeshaMahila Society (TMS) were actively engaged in relief operations during the devastating floods that ravaged the state. The interventions of FCDP and TMS consisted of Immediate Relief Activities, Participation in Cleaning up Activities, Distribution of House-hold Articles to affected families and provision of Livelihood support for deserving families.

Immediate Relief Activities
The immediate relief activities consisted of reaching out to those who were affected by floods by providing them food and provisions, clothes, stationery and sanitary items. FCDP and TMS reached out to the flood affected areas of Edathua (Kuttanad), Ulunthi (Mavelilkara), Vandipen’yar, Kumali and Eravipuram (Kollam).

Clean Kerala Campaign
With the support from BREADS, FCDP and TMS organized the 'Clean Kerala Campaign' with the purpose of helping people to clean up their houses so that they could return to their houses, after the water had receded. Cleaning up program was organized at Chengannur, Kunnumkari and Edathua. The clean Kerala Campaign evoked a very enthusiastic response from the people.

About 80 people participated in the cleaning drive. We are happy to have helped in cleaning up ration stores, hospitals, schools and houses. Over forty wells and over 50 houses were cleaned. Our special thanks to Mr. Ansel Raymond who supported this campaign and actively participated in it.

Distribution of Household Items
Distribution of household items was supported by BREADS, Bangalore. The most deserving families from Kainakiri (Kuttanad) and Vandiperiyar (Kumali) were identified and household items were distributed for such families. The materials included mixer grinders, pressure cookers, mattresses, pillows etc. 67 families benefited from the distribution of household items.

Felicitations to Fishermen from FCDP FAMILY who participated in Rescue Operations In order to felicitate the fishermen who were part of the rescue operations, FCDP and TMS conducted a felicitation programme on 2nd of September 2018. 150 fishermen were honored at the function. Adv. Rajendrababu, worshipful Mayor of Kollam, inaugurated the programme and presented the gifts to the fishermen. The public meeting was attended by the board and staff of FCDP and TMS, Executive Committee of Visappinu Vida, Well Wishers and fishermen, Dr.Sindha H. Mendez, (Chairperson FCDP), Mrs. Agnes P.P. (President TMS), Rev. Fr. Joby Sebastian (Director), Rev. Fr Sunny Uppan (Parish Priest and Rector, St. Stephen's Church, Thope) and Adv. Vineetha Vincent (Counsellor, Pallithottam) Spoke on the occasion.