Severe sea attack is one of the biggest environmental problems facing Kerala for years. Faced with two monsoons lasting more than six months, the state is finding it even more difficult to ensure the rehabilitation of coastal residents who have been affected by the floods, among other things. With each passing year, the sea becomes rougher and rougher. People who have been stranded on the coast for decades are being forced to flee to safer places. Even strongly built houses fall to the ground instantly. Useless work has been going on for years to protect the sea by stacking rocks. It did not do much good to the coastal people or the government. However, the government is forced to follow suit in times of extreme seasickness.

At present, the respective states have to deal with the calamities in coastal problems caused by the sea attack on their own. Needless to say, this will be difficult for a state that suffers from resource poverty. In this context, Kerala has written to the Prime Minister to consider the sea attack as a national disaster and provide an opportunity to avail itself of benefits from the Central and State Disaster Relief Funds. Nine districts in the state are at risk of sea attacks. The coastal areas of these districts are invaded by sea several times a year. In addition to the monsoon, the threat of occasional hurricanes also exacerbates sea attacks. Two consecutive hurricanes have wreaked havoc along the coast in recent days. Many houses and properties were destroyed. The only way out is to scientifically prevent sea invasion.

The Central Disaster Relief Fund (CDRF) does not provide adequate assistance as sea invasion is not yet included in the Central List of Disasters. The state listed it as a disaster six years ago. Accordingly, limited assistance is being provided. In order to get assistance from the Central Disaster Management Fund, the sea attack should be included in the Centre's disaster list. It is a pity that technicality comes in the way of providing necessary assistance to deal with such disasters. It is not only the coasts that are destroyed by the sea, many people too suffer from it. Humans are the ones who have to deal with natural disasters of any kind. Governments need to reach out to them. Kerala, which has a coastline of about 600 km, cannot resolve the sea invasion and the distress caused by it on its own. If the governments want to rewrite the criteria, they must do so. Unexpected natural disasters are common in the country. At that time, the Centre also announces assistance. The Prime Minister yesterday announced Rs 1,000 crore for the first phase of aid to Bengal and Orissa, which have now been devastated by Hurricane Yaas. The current sea attack in Kerala was also triggered by Cyclone Yaas. As the monsoon begins on Monday, the coast is once again in a state of panic. It is important to provide the necessary assistance to those affected by calamity, whether or not they are included in the disaster list.