WEB TEAM
Thousands of people in flood-hit areas in Kerala are battling all odds to survive as the death toll has crossed 324 in the past 10 days in the second spell of monsoon fury since August 8.
Many are still stranded in their homes with no food at various places in Alapuzha, Thrissur and Ernakulam districts.
The maximum death toll has been reported from Idukki district, where 43 people have lost their lives so far, as per official estimates. Over six lakh people are in relief camps across the state.
#KeralaFloodRelief :Wg Cdr Prasanth of Garud Spl Force of IAF saved a toddler from rooftop in flood hit town of Alappuzha, Kerala. Smile on the face of mother, Priceless. IAF committed in Defence of Skies & Saving Precious Lives on Ground#SavingLives@CMOKerala@DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/ls3paAXlyH
— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 19, 2018
Along with personnel of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and the NDRF, hundreds of fishermen and local people are engaged in relief operations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has the biggest ever relief and rescue operation in flood-affected Kerala. An NDRF spokesperson said, a total of 58 teams have been deputed to work in the state and three teams are on their way.
This is the highest ever deployment of NDRF in a single state since its raising in 2006. The NDRF has evacuated more than 10,000 people from rain and flood-battered areas.
Massive rescue operations were on in worst affected places including Chenganur, Chalakudy, Aluva, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta and thousands were rescued. Over four lakh people are housed in 3026 relief camps across the state.
Meanwhile, India Meteorological Department has said that the intensity of rainfall in the state will reduce in the next two to three days.
IMD Additional Director General Mritunjay Mohapatra said the state is not expected to receive heavy rainfall from tomorrow.
Red has also been lifted in Kerala for first time since 9th of this month. An Orange Alert has been issued in the Districts of Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Ernakulam.
The water level in major rivers has decreased. Periyar river has shown a decrease of 5 feet in water level.
Water is receding in many of the flooded areas. Railways has resumed the passenger service between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. Relief and rescue operations are in war footage.
#KeralaFloods2018 #OPRAHAT @IndiaCoastGuard Rescue and Relief helicopter carried 1000 kg of general medicines,food packets,drinking water,sanitary pads,baby diapers,bed sheets toothpaste etc..and dropped them at remotest and inaccessible flooded areas @DefenceMinIndia @CMOKerala pic.twitter.com/HXSba7K8AO
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) August 19, 2018