Seva Bharati creates history, rescues 75,600 flood-hit in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 31: “Seva Bharati” a social service organization sponsored by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has saved the lives of 75,600 flood affected people in the state of Kerala by carrying legendary rescue operation maybe first in the world history.

In these operations two Seva Bharati activists had to sacrifice their lives while another 40 were seriously hurt while saving and rescuing the people drowning when the government machinery was defunct in the initial period of the deluge.

This was stated by Seva Bharati Kerala President Dr. K Presanna Murthy at a press conference addressed on August 29 here.

He said that during the crisis period more than 350 boats, 75 ambulances, and 600 vehicles were plying across the state with 14100 swayamsevaks working in Khaki shorts to rescue the affected people.

They opened 298 relief camps to house the flood affected people and a medical team of 650 health workers was deputed to provide timely medical assistance to the victims and control the spread of epidemics, Dr. K Presanna Murthy said.

He said that the latest challenge taken up by Seva Bharati was the massive cleaning operation in flood ravaged areas that included houses, schools, hospitals, wells, and other public buildings.

He further said that Seva Bharati has collected 2155 ton food grains, clothes and household utensils to be distributed among the flood victims. More than 300 collection centres were opened in various districts to collect relief materials, which are being distributed to 1,05,000 families, he added.

About 27,600 houses, 210 worship places, including churches, 400 hospitals, several schools, thousands of wells and other institutions were also cleaned with the involvement of 1,20,000 Seva Bharati activists.

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In the third phase, Seva Bharati is also planning to conduct a comprehensive survey in flood-hit areas to assess the loss as part of ensuring further financial aid in rehabilitation process.

Seva Bharati lost their two activists -- Vishal (23) of Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district and Midhun (24) of Elamkunnapuzha in Ernakulam district -- during the rescue operations.

The press conference was also attended by RSS State Seva Pramukh GV Girish, Seva Bharati State Organising Secretary UN Haridas, and State Secretary D Vijayan.