INDIA has been struggling with severe floods and unprecedented heavy rainfall throughout 2024, resulting in significant loss of lives and extensive property damage. Reports indicate that thousands of lives have been lost due to the extreme weather conditions. The relentless rains have led to widespread devastation in states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Tripura, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh. The floods have displaced millions, forcing them to evacuate their homes and seek shelter in temporary relief camps. The most vulnerable populations, including women, children, and the elderly, are disproportionately affected, facing greater risks of disease, malnutrition, and trauma.

In the recent days, intense monsoon rains and floods in India’s southern states have killed at least 25 people. At least 16 people have been killed in Telangana, and nine in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh in the past 2-3 days. Similarly media reports confirm that at least 28 people were killed over few days in the western state of Gujarat. Last month, in the northeastern state of Tripura, floods and landslides killed more than 20 people. More than 300 lives were lost in Wayanad district of Kerala in major landslide of recent times.

In addition to the immediate loss of lives, there are long-term health implications. Floods often lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases such as cholera and dysentery. The lack of clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities in the affected areas further exacerbates the health crisis. Infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railways has been severely affected, disrupting transportation and communication. The destruction of homes and commercial buildings has led to significant economic losses, with entire neighbourhoods submerged under water.

The impact of these natural disasters has been particularly devastating for agricultural workers, who are facing an existential crisis due to the destruction of their livelihoods. Agricultural workers, who form the backbone of India’s agrarian economy, have been disproportionately affected by these floods. The destruction of farmland has led to the loss of crops and livestock, threatening the livelihoods of millions.

During these crucial times, despite the severe situation, the central government is not providing required assistance to the states. The central working committee of the All India Agricultural Workers Union demands that the central government take immediate and necessary actions to support state governments in their rescue and rehabilitation efforts. The central government should classify the floods and heavy rains in the affected states as a national disaster, based on a thorough assessment of the situation in each state.

There should be no financial constraints imposed by the central government on the states, and all affected states should receive the necessary assistance without discrimination. Affected families must be provided with food grains and other essential supplies, financial aid to help them rebuild their lives, and immediate opportunities for alternative employment. Rehabilitation camps should be equipped with adequate basic facilities to ensure the well-being of the residents and to prevent the outbreak of any diseases.