The one-month-long flood has left the Kuttanad farmers jobless and miserable.
Stuck at the relief camps in neck-deep water, they allege that apathy of the officials and inaction by the government agencies were adding to their woes.
The government has allotted `30 for adults and `20 for children for one-day expenses.
But the inmates say that some of the shop owners have increased the price of rice and pea citing flood.
Gopi, a native Kainakari, said: “Gruel and pea are our main food here. No other food items are available in the camp. To prepare food, LPG or kerosene are not available. So, we have to depend on wet firewood, which makes it a Herculean task.”
Kuttanad Vikasana Samithi executive director Fr Thomas Peelianickal said that the government allotment to the flood-affected people was very less.
“With this meagre amount, they cannot meet their daily expenses. Black marketing is also high. If the food materials are supplied through government agencies, this issue can be resolved, he said.
Sudheesh, a native of Kuttamangalam, said that preparation of food in the relief camps is a difficult task.
“If the government allots LPG or kerosene, it will be a great help to the people. Sellers charge `800 to `900 for 100 kg of firewood. Prior to flood, it was `600 to `700,” he said.