Kerala’s fishworkers Union KSMTF was the first to join rescue efforts. KSMTF has mobilised its members and deployed them in coordinated teams with team leaders to different flood-affected regions. Equipped with manoeuvrable fibre boats with a draft of about 1 foot, they are able to reach inaccessible areas to rescue stranded people. Their team leaders coordinate with the state rescue teams. The boats are also provisioned with water, safety equipment and fuel which have been collected by the fishing community. Speaking to the media, the fishermen maintain that they are showing the gratitude for the support they received in the aftermath of cyclone Ockhi that claimed many lives of fishermen and devastated coastal regions. 

The National Fishworkers Federation has also given a call to fishers from neighbouring states to support the rescue and relief efforts.

In recent days, workers across India have also shown their camaraderie with Kerala’s workers, with aid flowing in human, material and monetary form. Even as the governments fight over the allocation of aid, the workers have taken their buckets and piggy banks to raise money for the people of Kerala.
 
The United Nurses Association has deployed union members to key affected regions to assess the situation while also help in the relief and rehabilitation efforts. As public health is going to be a major challenge in the coming days, the effort is an essential part of overall effort to relieve Kerala from the effects of the flood.
 
While many workers in Tamil Nadu have offered a day’s salary towards relief funds, others have collected materials and shipped to Kerala’s relief camps. Even trainees have organised collection drives near their factories to contribute to the flood victims. Thozhillalar Koodum has documented contributions made by workers across Tamil Nadu.
 
Jammu and Kashmir Bank Employees have pledged 6 days’ salary amounting to a total of Rs. 11 crores to be sent to the official Kerala Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The Central Railway employees have also decided to donate part of their salaries to the relief fund.

Mark Johnson, The Wire

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