Kerala floods: Fishermen rise to the occasion

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala fishermen who had borne the travails of cyclone Ockhi are setting a new model in rescue mission, in what could be an act of repayment of the love and care they had received from the people when Ockhi wreaked havoc.

Fishermen from Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kollam and Alappuzha have joined the rescue mission in more than 100 country boats in various flood-affected areas in the state. Kerala Swanthantra Matsyathozhilali Federation has set up regional centres to coordinate the mission. Each team on the field has been assigned a leader who has been directed to work with revenue authorities, police and disaster management team.

The design of the twin engine country boats made of wooden and fibre is expected to be really helpful in places with strong undercurrent and unexpected flow of water. “It can go through any narrow lane. We will have two-three people on board, the engine driver, the path guide and a helper. In addition, we can board 10 people safely. A minimum depth of 50 centimetres is enough for the boat to move and we are equipped with wooden poles to traverse ahead safely,” said Jack Mandela, a fisherman who is part of rescue team from Veli. His team is engaged in rescue operations in Pandalam.
In Thiruvananthapuram, boats have been transported along with fishermen from Thumba, Veli, Vizhinjam and Thuluvila. Teams have been deployed at Chengannur, Pandalam, Pathanamthitta and Aluva. From Kollam, country boats have been sent from Vadi, Thangaserry and Neendakara and teams from Thrikkunnapuzha and Arthungal in Alleppey have been sent for rescue mission. From Ernakulam, teams have been sent from Chellanam, Saudi beach, Vypeen and Maravukadu.
While in some cases, the fishermen have been supported by local police to mobilize transportation, in many places they are shelling out money from their own pockets. Each boat is equipped with fuel, drinking water, lifebuoys and search lights.
“For us, it’s time to express our gratitude for all the help we have received during Ockhi. Many of the fishermen who are taking part in rescue operations have forsaken their daily jobs and are mobilizing everything on their own. This is not a random move, we are doing it as a coordinated mission using team leaders on the field and in regional centres who keep guiding the field teams as per direction from revenue authorities,” National Fish Workers’ Forum general secretary T Peter said.

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