It’s a testing time for Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan , managing the affairs in a state wrecked by its worst floods in a century. In an email interview with Vasudha Venugopal, the CM said the central government responded positively till now to the state’s needs and that he was hopeful of more assistance in the coming days.Edited excerpts:As you are aware, this is the worst calamity in the history of Kerala. This calamity has affected the entire stretch of Kerala and 12 out of 14 districts severely. The devastation and destruction are extremely severe and beyond a description. The loss of life, livelihood, homes, roads, bridges, agriculture, power lines and public infrastructure will have far-reaching impact on socioeconomic fronts. Though it was unprecedented, the government swung into action immediately and concentrated fully on rescue and relief. I need to underline the fact that all sections of the people held their hands together along with government agencies to conduct rescue and relief operations. The selfless efforts of the fisherfolks have to be specially underlined.I need to make it clear in no uncertain terms that the Government of India was forthcoming and responded positively. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Rajnath Singh visited the flood-hit areas and have been understanding the situation fully. The army, navy, air force and coast guard have been fully involved with the rescue operations from the beginning and they were part of the planning and execution. As regard to the interim advance, I am happy that they announced Rs 600 crore as two lots (Rs 100 crore after the first spell of floods and Rs 500 crore now) and I am hopeful that they would assess the situation and grant more assistance in the coming days. We have also requested the union government to consider the calamity as something of severe nature to provide all-round assistance, including from multilateral organisations for rehabilitation and reconstruction.The state government had a very fruitful interaction with the Prime Minister and his team and we have placed the real picture in front of them. A preliminary report on the destruction and misery has been submitted to them already. I am sure that the Prime Minister has understood the gravity and his responses were very positive. I also need to mention the fact that I have been communicating with the Prime Minister over the phone, many a time, regarding the crisis. Due to the intervention of the Prime Minister, the cabinet secretary has been interacting with our team as well as other departments at the Centre on a daily basis. I do express my sincere gratitude to the Prime Minister.Even the preliminary assessment in major sectors pegs the losses around Rs 20,000 crore. It would be many folds if all the sectors and verticals are taken into consideration. We will continue to assess the situation to understand the actual losses. We have requested the Prime Minister to send another central team to study and analyse the situation.Of course, Rs 500 crore is a mere amount compared to the losses. However, I consider this as an advance. I do hope that they will extend their cooperation and provide more funds in the coming days.We are quite aware of the fact that the crucial area of rebuilding and reconstruction has to start now. The government is contemplating effective measures wherein experts from relevant fields are brought in to formulate a concrete strategy. Kerala has set many examples for the world. We will certainly set another example of reconstruction and rebuilding. In this hour of crisis, assistance is pouring from all parts of the world and I would express my gratitude towards my fellow chief ministers in the country.The monsoon in August, till yesterday (Sunday), was 164% compared to the normal rainfall. Dam management teams were assessing the situation closely and in a continuous manner when the monsoon started. Dams were opened only after they reached their brimming level. I myself periodically assessed the situation. There was no other way, but to open the shutters after giving appropriate alerts to the people. If we had not opened the shutters, it would have led to a bigger catastrophe. When there was an issue of Mullaperiyar dam (managed by Tamil Nadu), I sought the intervention of the Prime Minister and he effectively intervened.It is a baseless and politically motivated allegation. I am sure, he himself realises it. The people of Kerala cutting across various affiliations have wholeheartedly appreciated the efforts of the government.In general, the social media has been very cooperative and in fact aided the government efforts. However, there were some miscreants who are bend upon to create confusions and whip up hatred. People of Kerala will never allow divisive elements to succeed.The Left government has been consistent in its approach to a development process that takes environment into consideration. However, it is not the time to make immature or extreme proposition. The government would certainly consider all aspects while chartering its course ahead. We need to build from the scratch. I am sure, we will cross all the hurdles. We shall overcome.