As the muddy waters now recede from flood-stricken Kerala, one remembers the reactions this tragedy evoked.
What is more tragic than lakhs of human lives stuck in a crisis that has killed hundreds of innocent civilians, displaced many and almost drowned an entire state? The lack of empathy towards those who are suffering. The Kerala Flood was an example of this tragic mentality. âThe question is should we help Beef Eaters of Kerala who slaughters cows which we pray?â asked one of the Twitter user in response to the call for lending a helping hand to the flood-ravaged southern state. This indifference towards the fellow Indian citizens just because of their choice of food is nothing short of demonic.
The question is should we help BEEF EATERS of Kerala who slaughter cows which we pray?
— Roop Darak (@roopnayandarak) August 18, 2018
However, this is not the only instance. There were also many people implicating that the Kerala floods were lord Ayappaâs way of punishing the Keralites for fighting to allow women in Sabarimala temple- the case for which is under sub-judicial. To make it much worse, the newly appointed RBI director, S Gurumurthy even opined that the Supreme Court should consider whether there is any connection between Sabarimala and the floods. What can we expect out of the impervious lot if a celebrated economist himself is furthering an unscientific and dangerous propaganda?
Supreme court judges may like to see if there is any connection between the case and what is happening in Sabarimala. Even if there is one in a million chance of a link people would not like the case decided against Ayyappan. https://t.co/0k1818QZGU
— S Gurumurthy (@sgurumurthy) August 17, 2018
The insensitive âGodâs wrathâ and âDivine justiceâ cabal didnât even spare a thought for innocent children who might have just stepped into this world or the helpless elderly who are among the most vulnerable in the society. The hate for Kerala further extends to the Muslim and Christian community of the state. Referring to these communities, some even went on to an extent to legitimize their bigotry stating that the fellow citizens shouldnât help the flood victims as âmore than half of the state is Muslim or Christianâ. An Indian sitting in a democratic country wishing the death of an entire state holds a mirror to the vulture society that we are becoming.
How the Sangh Parivar operates. pic.twitter.com/Jsm2OdMfIH
— Indian Atheists (@IndianAtheists) August 18, 2018
Just like the flood waters of Kerala brought out many snakes, the tragedy brought out many hate-spewing individuals that revealed the venomous side of humanity- the one that does not even shudder at the thought of celebrating the deaths of our own.
Imposter wearing Army combat uniform in video spreading disinformation about rescue & relief efforts. Every effort by all & #IndianArmy aimed to overcome this terrifying human tragedy.Forward disinformation about #IndianArmy on WhatsApp +917290028579. We are at it #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/ncUR7tCkZW
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 19, 2018
But this is not the only battle Kerala is fighting. The state is also fighting the fake news attack in the wake of calamity. The two such fake news was busted recently. In one of the videos, a man dressed in an army uniform was seen claiming that the state government is not letting the army in the state to carry out the rescue operation. When several social media users pointed it out, the official army twitter handle clarified that it was a fake news by an imposter. In another audio, a man is seen claiming that the flood has only affected the rich and the state doesnât need more help. However, these are the only two instances that were more apparent. Not to forget the number of videos of the flood that are doing round in the name of Kerala flood only inciting widespread panic.
With the damage that amounts to more than 20,000 crores, the flood-ravaged state needs humongous monetary help. However, the centreâs help of fewer than 1000 crores has left the state in a situation of fund-crunch. The help pouring in from across the corners of the world might not suffice to rebuild the state and rehabilitate worst-affected population. The state is fighting the three-frontal war. The war against the natural calamity, against the fund-crunch and against the fake news.
As the muddy waters now recede from flood-stricken Kerala, one remembers the reactions this tragedy evoked. The Kerala Flood brought forward both good and bad side of humanity. The bad side showed us that the propaganda machinery has even numbed our conscience. On the other hand, the good side showed how humane the humans can be. From soldiers carrying out the dangerous rescue operations, fishermen saving the lives with a boatload of courage or the strangers that came together to help each other blurring the distinction of their caste, religion, creed or class- help restore our faith in humanity.
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