AMN
Flood and rains continue to wreak havoc across Kerala, and have brought the coastal state to a standstill. “As many as 324 people have lost their lives due to rains, floods and landslides,” tweeted chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Prime minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala just while ago to make aerial survey of the flood situation.
According to the Home Ministry’s National Emergency Response Centre (NERC), 247 people have died in Kerala, while 2,11,000 people in 14 districts have been badly hit by the rains and floods, and over 32,500 hectares of crops damaged.
Personnel of the three services, besides the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) resumed the gigantic task of evacuating people stranded on rooftops and highlands where hills came crashing down blocking roads and cutting them off the rest of the world, and those marooned in villages that have turned into islands.
PM @narendramodi reached Kerala a short while ago.
Governor Shri Sathasivam, CM Shri Vijayan, Union Minister @alphonstourism and other dignitaries welcomed the Prime Minister at the airport. @CMOKerala pic.twitter.com/x10nKKqKSe
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 17, 2018
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said hectic efforts are underway to rescue people stranded in various areas and added that united efforts of the Central forces and the state machinery are progressing.
As a relief to the people, the Indian Meteorological Department has announced that the rains will subside from Sunday in the state.
Around two lakh twenty five thousand people are lodged at 1568 relief camps across the state. The receding water level in Periyar has been helping in rescue operations in and around Ernakulam. However, thousands are still trapped in many regions of Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur Alappuzha and nearby districts. Food and water is being distributed to people trapped in many regions using helicopters.
Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Your help can rebuild the lives of the affected. Donate to https://t.co/FjYFEdOsyl #StandWithKerala.
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 17, 2018