more-in “I have to work day and night to put my life back on track now. What is the use of my seeking treatment?” The question from a homemaker at Kannadikkal with cancerous-looking lumps on her body confounded Remya P.R., a counsellor associated with the Psycho Social Care for Flood Affected (PSCFA) programme of the Department of Social Justice. But, she could detect the sense of outrage in the woman who had managed to survive the calamity. With a paralysed husband and three children at home and a flood that took away everything of value, she does not know where to direct her outrage, but is determined to overcome the tragedy even if it is at the cost of her own health. A flood survivor herself, Remya can empathise with the woman and other survivors. She appreciates the fact that women do not hesitate to open up and seek solace. “But the men are a tough lot. They suppress their worries and are not ready to speak up. They are the ones who need psychological help in a large way. But they do not cooperate,” she said. Remya, along with another volunteer Deepthi P., was deployed at Kannadikkal, one of the worst-hit regions in Kozhikode. “Their major worry is whether their houses will survive another flood,” said Remya. Most residents of Kannadikkal are daily wage labourers. There are long-term residents who knew about the vulnerability of the region, but have no where else to go. There are newer ones who feel cheated as they did not realise the vulnerability of the place. “Help is out there. But it takes time to reach many interior parts. It will take a long time for these people to attain stability in life,” said Deepthi, adding that people were in constant fear of the water rising again, and resultant fever. The situation is slightly different in the hilly regions that encountered landslips. “Some men get up at night, frantically shouting that water is coming and urging every one to escape,” said Aphrem K.P., a volunteer who has been working at Koompara, Koodaranhi and Kakkadampoyil where landslips occurred. “Their tragedy is more psychological than those in the low-lying areas. They just fear rain,” he said, adding that people in the higher regions are more hopeful of the future. Therapy for children At a therapy session organised by the PSCFA in association with District Child Protection unit and National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, at GTLP School in Koompara, Aphrem asked a child what she prayed for. Pat came the reply, “For lesser rainfall next year”. Children have also been severely affected by the tragedy, especially adolescents who are able to understand the severity of the situation. Many do not want to go back to their homes, while some have been traumatised by the sight of snakes in their houses. While the younger children are worried about lost toys, the slightly older ones are worried about their lost books and trophies. The therapy sessions comprising dance, music and art were held at schools in the worst-hit areas. The sessions focus on reducing the effects of the trauma if any. “The children were drawing the scenes of flood they encountered and later talking about them. This will help them come out of the trauma,” said Deepthi.

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