This month, the Indian state of Kerala received massive rainfall. The subsequent floods displaced 1.3 million people. The experience has left many, including me, shaken yet hopeful.

India’s southernmost state, Kerala is famous for its monsoon rains. Rain-bearing clouds from the Indian and Arabian oceans ravage the land every year. They make it a lush, green, tropical paradise.

The entire state is separated from its neighboring state by the famous Western Ghats mountain range. These mountains act as natural barriers for the rainclouds. They make the region between the coast and the mountains receive massive rainfall every year during the monsoon season (July–August).

Last week, authorities in Kerala were on high alert. All dams were nearing their full capacity. The rains continued, and the dams became full. The shutters of 35 had to be opened. The excess water flowed into agricultural lands, villages, and towns.

A red alert was issued to 11 districts, and the international airport at Kochi was shut down after the floodwater engulfed it.

Following that, three days of relentless rains caused the water in the dams to rise even further, and more water was released into land already inundated.

As a result, millions of homes were submerged. Hundreds of homes were washed away. In addition, hundreds of small and medium-sized bridges were washed away. That put many settlements beyond the reach of rescue crews.

The magnitude of destruction was unprecedented. As of August 26, the death count stood at 445. The flood displaced millions, and the number of people at relief camps is estimated to be around 1.3 million. Many more are still missing.

The flood, the worst in 100 years, is believed to have killed around 300,000 domesticated animals. Overall financial damage is estimated at around $2.89 billion.

Hope in the Wake of the Storm

But all is not gloom. In the midst of the floodwaters, there was reason to hope.

My friend’s aunt and uncle were found only after a week of intense searching. Like many, they were rescued by fishermen who used their boats to carry out rescue operations all over Kerala.

Every boat available was used for the rescue mission. Of the many pictures that came out from Kerala, the most striking captured the rescue of newborn babies.

Even fishermen were limited by the force of the river water, though. In some areas, only helicopters belonging to the defense forces were able to rescue people. Stories emerged of countless heroes, like Mesh Manoharan, an underwater diving expert, who single-handedly saved 70 lives using his kayak.

People from all sections of society came forward to help. Relief materials and personnel were sent from all over India. Special teams rescued stranded dogs, cattle, even snakes.

Doctors were lowered from helicopters in places which were completely cut off from the rest of the state. An army of electricians, plumbers, and carpenters are being rushed to fix houses and camps rendered unusable by the flood.

The Church’s Response

Churches all across the country contributed to the flood relief. Congregation members were asked to contribute benevolently, and even those who had very little contributed towards rebuilding the lives of two million people.

Church members used boats to deliver food and other essentials to those stuck in lands cut off by the waters. In relief camps, churches continued to help victims regain hope.

My friend in Chennai worked tirelessly to gather three tons of relief material on his own. He sent it to Kerala through relief planes. There was also a display of human brotherhood when Sikh volunteers helped clean a church just in time for its Lord’s Day worship service.

The receding flood waters revealed contrasting pictures. On one side is the trail of destruction. On the other side are countless stories of rescue missions by people who risked their own lives to save those stranded.

The rains may have dampened the land, but not the spirit of the people.

Vijay Jayaraj (M.Sc., Environmental Science, University of East Anglia, England), Research Associate for Developing Countries for the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation, lives in Chennai, India.