Diary Entry from Sunil Kumar S (Programme Officer of our Healthcare Initiatives)
03/08/2024
I made my way through the flood-ravaged areas, visiting relief camps and a village. I was overwhelmed by the resilience and strength of the people I met. Their stories of loss and hope touched my heart deeply and I felt a sense of responsibility to do whatever I could to help. Today was a day that will stay with me forever.
Pancharakolli Relief Camp
My first stop was the Pancharakolli Relief Camp. This camp shelters 173 people, approx. 43 families, all of whom have been displaced by the floods. As I approached, I could see the makeshift tents and the helpless faces of the people who had lost so much. The atmosphere was heavy with the weight of their struggles.
When I tried to distribute the ration kits, I faced an unexpected challenge. The families here were hesitant to accept the kits directly. I understood that distribution should be done through government centers to ensure fairness and transparency. It was a reminder of the deep trust issues that often arise in times of crisis.
Despite their serious circumstances, these people held onto their principles and dignity, refusing aid unless distributed justly. I coordinated with local authorities to ensure the supplies would reach them through the appropriate channels, hoping this small effort would take away some of their burdens.
Peeakavu Relief Camp
Next, I visited the Peeakavu Relief Camp, which is home to 240 people from 53 families. The camp was bustling with children’s laughter, contrasting the surrounding devastation, brought a bittersweet smile to my face. Here, the distribution process was more straightforward. The local volunteers’ network and the Gramapanchayat president are actively involved in coordinating relief efforts. So many people from all over India made donation for flood victims too. How kind of them!
As I handed out the ration kits, I felt a sense of connection with each family. They shared their stories of the flood’s fury, of homes washed away and lives turned upside down. The gratitude in their eyes filled up my heart and I had tears in my eyes.
I learned about 30 nearby tribal families who were also in desperate need of supplies and arranged to extend our distribution to include these often-overlooked communities, making sure that they received enough support through utilising donation for flood victims.
Kanivaram Village
My final stop was Kanivaram, a village that had seen its relief camp close as the water levels receded. The sight of people returning to their homes was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. Many of their homes were severely damaged and the road to recovery seemed long and stressful. Despite the challenges, I could sense hope in the air. More work needed to be done.
I coordinated with the municipal department to distribute kits to 83 families who had returned to the village. Walking through the village, I saw firsthand the devastation left behind by the floodwaters. There were no homes but rubbles, fields were barren, hospitals, schools, roads- everything was destroyed. What pleasantly surprised me was how strong the community spirit was. Neighbors helped each other like it was the most natural thing to do and shared whatever little resources they had.
One encounter in particular stood out to me. I met an elderly woman who had lost everything. Her home, her belongings, all washed away. Yet, she spoke with a quiet strength, determined to rebuild her life. She thanked me for the aid, but it felt inadequate compared to the resilience and courage she displayed. Her words stayed with me: “We may have lost our homes, but we have not lost our hope.”
Reflections from my visits and why I think you should make a donation for flood Victims
As I left the village, my heart felt heavy with the weight of their stories, but also lightened by their resilience. Today’s experience reinforced the importance of community and the power of solidarity.
Seeing the impact of the floods firsthand and meeting those affected was both a painful and a deeply moving experience. It reminded me of the fragile balance we live in and the importance of coming together in times of crisis. Each face, each story, spoke of the invincible human strength and hope in our darkest hours.
Tonight, as I reflect on the day, I feel a sense of purpose within me to do more.
There is so much work to be done and every effort counts. We must continue to support these communities, not just with aid, but with compassion and understanding.
