A flood imperative

Obviously, the relief operations have to be carried out in a very organised manner as a huge number of people have to be reached. The operators have to identify the needy people, most of whom are now living on embankments in a highly vulnerable condition. Time is also a very important factor because the pauperised people may not be able to hold out for long. But the picture we are getting from the affected areas is a dismal one -- a big chunk of the victims are yet to receive anything.

The trading on human miseries will have to be stopped immediately. People are struggling for their lives, while activities like misappropriation of relief goods are going on unhindered. A fair and effective relief distribution system is the need of the hour. The local administration must ensure that relief materials reach the targeted groups of people. The Dhunat tragedy will be multiplied if malpractices are allowed to swamp relief operations. We must not forget that for the victims it's a question of survival.

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Price hike of essentials is another concomitant ill of almost any natural disaster. The supply lines have been disrupted in most of the flood affected areas. And prices of daily necessities are rising alarmingly. The government should form a price vigilance committee in order to closely monitor the situation. And the business community is expected to show a compassionate understanding of the prevailing situation and refrain from capitalising on people's miseries. Activities like hoarding and creating an artificial crisis can only further contribute to the sufferings of the people. We are facing a great crisis and only sincere, collective efforts can see us through.