Three days of relentless rain, flooding and landslides across Kerala have revived memories of the devastating 2018 floods. As fears of a similar crisis spread in many parts of the state, one familiar image returned too — fishermen steering their boats into flooded neighbourhoods to rescue stranded families.

Eight years after they became the face of Kerala's biggest civilian rescue effort, fishermen from the state's coastal belt are once again at the forefront of relief operations, with more teams standing by if authorities seek additional support.

Fishermen return as flood rescue volunteers

Floodwaters in parts of Pathanamthitta and Kottayam prompted the deployment of fishing boats from Kollam, where experienced rescue volunteers responded soon after the flooding began on Saturday.

Initially, three fishing boats with trained rescue workers reached the affected areas. As flood conditions continued, ten more boats carrying around 40 fishermen joined operations on Monday, taking the total to 13 boats with more than 50 fishermen working in waterlogged regions, including Thiruvalla, Aranmula and Ranni.

Fishermen from Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram and Alappuzha have indicated they are prepared to join operations and are awaiting instructions from the authorities if the situation demands more assistance.

Their return has reminded many of 2018, when fishing communities became a lifeline for thousands trapped by floodwaters.

Echoes of the 2018 flood rescue effort

Kerala's floods of 2018 saw an unprecedented mobilisation of the fishing community. Fishermen travelled from coastal regions such as Vypin, Cherai and Alappuzha to inland flood-hit areas, transporting their own mechanised boats to reach people stranded inside homes.

According to official figures, 4,537 fishermen operated 669 boats during the disaster and rescued at least 65,000 people. Many boats suffered damage during the operations, while the government later bore the rescue costs and honoured those who participated.

Their role carried added significance because many fishermen were themselves recovering from the devastating Ockhi cyclone that had struck months earlier. Despite financial hardship and memories of earlier disasters such as the 2004 tsunami, they volunteered to help families caught in the floods.

Heavy rain continued in parts of Kerala on Tuesday, with northern districts recording the highest rainfall. While river levels in Muvattupuzha and Thodupuzha remained above warning levels, officials said the water was receding. Even as authorities monitored the situation, the renewed presence of Kerala's fishermen reflected a rescue tradition that has once again come into focus whenever floodwaters threaten the state.