Four years on, flood survivors of Koottickal still wait for relief

Mundakayam: Nightmares are all that remain along the routes of Koottickal where the flood surged through, claiming lives four years ago. Vegetation has now spread across all three points, obscuring the view of where 17 lives were buried. Yet, every October 16 serves as a reminder of the need to remain vigilant. Countless people lost everything in mere moments—lives taken without a helping hand, and lingering questions that rose above the floodwaters that literally submerged the Koottickal and Mundakayam regions. The villages that survived the tragedy are slowly limping back to normalcy.

The panchayat will honour the victims today by offering floral tributes in front of their photographs, said President Bejoy Jose. The lives lost four years ago are as follows 

• Kavali Ottalangal (Valakkunnel): Martin (Roy – 47), wife Sini (35), children Sneha (13), Sona (10) and Sandra (9), and Martin’s mother Claramma Joseph (65)
• Sonia (45), wife of Jomy of Plappalliyil in Aattuchaalil, and son Alan (14)
• Sarasamma (58), wife of Panthalattil Mohanan
• Roshni (48), wife of Mundakassery Venu
• Shalet (29) of Ilamkaadu Olikkal
• Sisily (50) of Ilamthuruthy in Enthayar
• Fausia (28), wife of Siyad of Cherippurath in Poovanji, Idukki district
• Children Ameen (10) and Amna (7), Afsana (8) and Ahiyan (4), children of Fausia’s brother Faisal of Kallupuraykkal
• Chirayil Shaji (55)
• Ancy Babu (50) of Chelamkunnel in Kokkayar      

Survival
The estimated loss was ₹70 crores. The flood left a trail of destruction across all wards of Koottickal panchayat except Ward 1. In Mundakayam, Koottickal, and Kokkayar villages, 255 houses were completely destroyed and 2,538 were partially damaged. Four major bridges, including the Enthayar bridge connecting Kottayam and Idukki districts and 17 smaller bridges, including footbridges in rural areas, were destroyed. Reconstruction of the damaged bridges is nearing completion, though bridges in rural areas are yet to be built. Roads damaged by the flood have largely been restored. In addition to government efforts, many organisations helped build houses for the affected families.

Many more complaints
Nine families living along the shore of Pullakayar in Kokkayar village, who lost their homes in the flood, are still awaiting assistance. Initial assessments recorded only 50% damage to their houses, based on which some received compensation of ₹1.25 lakhs. However, revenue authorities later declared the houses uninhabitable and instructed the families to relocate. They moved into rented accommodations.

Four families, unable to afford rent, were forced to return to their unsafe homes. Due to technicalities, they have been denied further compensation. Local residents are now asking how many more anniversaries must pass before these families receive the help they desperately need.