Role of Kerala Fire & Rescue Services Department in Handling Kerala Floods 2018

Kerala state experienced a devastating flood event during the month of August 2018. The flood resulted in extensive flooding and landslides across most districts of the state, causing severe damage to both the built and natural ecosystems. Rescue of the people affected by the Kerala floods 2018 and evacuation of those who were vulnerable to the flood and related incidents was the biggest challenge. KF&RS is the trained Governmental Agency to respond first, to any such disaster, in Kerala. In June 2018, when there was heavy rain which was much more than what is expected, the Department started precautionary measures in the different flood prone districts like Ernakulam. The Department Opened State control room at Headquarters, Thiruvananthapuram and District Control rooms at all District Headquarters, especially for Monsoon risk management. During August 2018, heavy rain affected almost all districts of the State. Precautionary measures were proper in those areas which were predicted to be very much prone to flood. When the shutters of Edamalayar Dam and Idukki Dam were opened during the first ERE from 8th to 10th of Aug 2018, red alert was declared in Idukki and Ernakulam Districts. The Department anticipated severe flood in the banks of river Periyar and various low lying areas of Ernakulam District and evacuated the people from such places to different relief camps. As the equipment available with the Department was not sufficient to work in case of heavy floods, improvised water rescue facilities were prepared for rescue operations using the available resources and the situation was effectively handled by the Department. Another ERE occurred from 14th to 19th of August 2018, which was above all predictions and anticipations. The high-altitude areas like Ranny in Pathanamthitta District were totally flooded on 14th August 2018. It was totally unexpected and quite difficult to effect rescue operations since most of the equipment was placed in the flood anticipated places and all of them were in use. The Fire and Rescue teams started rescue operations throughout the State mobilizing the maximum resources and during the night of 14th August alone, rescued more than 1500 trapped persons, from Ranny area only. Since the flood affected almost the total area of more than 10 out of the 14 districts, providing assistance from the unaffected area, as usual, was not practicable. When the coastal area suffered tidal attacks and wind, the hilly areas were suffered by landslides and heavy current of water. Nearly 341 landslides were reported from 10 districts, in which Idukki district alone registered 143 landslides. Fire and Rescue personnel alone saved the life of 39866 persons who were trapped due to flood and evacuated 87571 persons from the flood affected areas to relief camps. Total 113 personnel from Fire and rescue Department suffered injuries during rescue operations and three suffered snake bites. The devastating incident resulted in a total of 450 casualties and more than 1.4 million people were moved to relief camps. The flood affected almost 5.4 million people, that is, one-sixth of the State's total population and the Department personnel assisted the public in cleaning their homes and roads,and to prevent epidemic which is normally expected after a flood. The proper planning and timely action of Kerala Fire and Rescue Services Department helped to limit the death toll to much less than that of what is expected of such a devastating flood. The community preparedness activities of the Department were also found to be successful during the floods.