The death toll in the devastating floods that hit Ernakulam went up to 22 as on Wednesday.
The deaths have been reported from North Paravur (six); Kanayannur, Muvattupuzha and Aluva taluks (five each), and Kothamangalam (one). Officials said no death had been reported from Kochi and Kunnathunad taluks.
A communication from the district administration said around 3.4 lakh people were now in 596 camps. As many as 395 camps have been closed after 1.4 lakh people returned home.
Post-flood relief operations are in full swing in the affected regions, even as thousands cleaned up their homes that were filled with mud and broken furniture. Residents of Eloor, Kadungallur, and North Paravur complained that they were finding it difficult to get workers to clean up homes.
A family at Aluva said some contractors, who had engaged workers, were cashing in on the situation demanding double the wages. “While they used to collect ₹750 for a worker engaged for cleaning earlier, the rate has now shot up to ₹1,500,” they added. Families in the worst-hit regions were also facing shortage of generators. “We are sharing such facilities arranged from various sources,” said residents of Kayantinkara near Aluva. The demand for electricians and plumbers has shot up in the post-flood scenario.
Hoarding
Meanwhile, the district administration has warned of stringent action against hoarding and black marketing following reports that certain traders were allegedly trying to reap gains by citing shortage of essential items.
As many as 10 squads led by the District Supply Officer and involving taluk-level supply officers have been visiting various regions in the district to check the menace. Action has been initiated against 250 shops for hoarding and failure to display the price chart. Officials said the traders had failed to submit purchase bills,. “We ensure uninterrupted supply of diesel for boats involved in rescue operations. Oil companies are also cooperating with us to ensure that cooking gas cylinders are supplied in the district,” officials said.
The Department of Animal Husbandry will operate 40 mobile clinics in the district from Thursday to offer care to livestock in distress.