Kerala tribe Malapandarangal faces the wrath of COVID crisis

Amid the coronavirus crisis across the nation, Malapandarangal tribe of Kerala has been forced to live in distress. Fear of the wild animals’ attack and spread of coronaviurs infection has become an addition to their misery.

Pathanamthitta (Kerala): The people of a tribal community called ‘Malapandarangal’, in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, have been living in fear and terrible crisis, amid the COVID pandemic.

Fear of the wild animals’ attack and the spread of coronavirus infection has become an addition to their misery.

The people of this community have been making a living by collecting forest produces like honey and selling it. After the COVID pandemic engulfed the state, the Malapandarangal are left in the lurch, with no food, dress or medical treatment.

"Falling sick after contracting any other disease during these times would also be disastrous for the people of Malapandarangal community living in the wilds," a resident of Pathanamthitta said.

The people of this tribal community live in the wild on the way to the famous Sabarimala hill shrine. They are seen selling forest produces along the roadside after Vadasserikkara- Laha. They live in makeshift tent-like sheds covered with tarpaulin sheets.