The fishing community along the coastal belt of the region has joined the rescue efforts in the flood-affected regions of the State at the expense of their livelihood.
Over 100 country boats, equipped with outboard motors, have been deployed to the flood-stricken areas of Pathanamthitta, Pandalam, and Chengannur.
Bringing fishing activity along the coast to a standstill, fishing boats, including fibre-glass boats, have left for the relief efforts from the fishing villages of Pulluvila, Vizhinjam, Poonthura, Valiathura, Vettucaud, Veli, Thumba, Mariyanad, and Anjuthengu. While the police have made arrangements to transport some of the boats, several fish workers have borne the expenses of taking many country boats all the way to the destinations.
National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) general secretary T. Peter said many fishermen had decided against going fishing for around five days and to dedicate themselves for the rescue efforts.
“Not thinking twice, they have gone voluntarily. Neither will we seek any assistance for transporting our boats nor will we seek any remuneration for the services rendered. We dedicate our efforts to society,” he said.
500 boats
He said close to 500 boats were deployed for the ongoing rescue efforts in various parts of the State. Some boats had been initially deployed from Kuttanad and parts of Ernakulam, including Chellanam and Vypeen, for the search efforts in Chengannur and Aluva respectively.
Later, more coastal communities, including those from Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam, joined the ongoing efforts.
Many of the boats are equipped with GPS (global positioning system) navigation system and LED lights, which will enable search operations during late hours.
The Fisheries Department has also deployed over 200 fishermen from the district to Pathanamthitta.
Those who were sent for the rescue efforts in 76 boats included those from Poovar, Valiyaveli, and Vizhinjam, according to zonal deputy director (fisheries) Beena Sukumaran.
The Thiruvananthapuram City police have also deployed 20 fibre boats to the flood-ravaged areas of Chengannur.