Over 400 Dead, Lakhs Displaced: Long Road to Normalcy in Kerala
From 29 May till 29 August, a total of 417 people have died in the state of Kerala.
The state of Kerala struggles to get back to its feet after the worst floods of the century leave behind a trail of death and destruction.
From 29 May – when the monsoon rains began lashing Kerala – till 30 August, a total of 483 people have died, while 14 people are still missing. At one point, more than one million people took shelter in relief camps.
Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress president Rahul Gandhi had visited the state to take stock of the situation.
- The Cochin International Airport Ltd commenced normal operations on 29 August, after a two-week closure due to the floods
- Addressing the media on 29 August, Rahul Gandhi said he would “not politicise” the Kerala flood situation
- Controversy had erupted over the issue of international aid to Kerala, especially over the Rs 700 crore aid purportedly announced by UAE
The All India Professionals’ Congress Meets Rahul Gandhi
The All India Professionals’ Congress met with Congress president Rahul Gandhi on day 2 of his visit to flood-hit Kerala.
Rahul Gandhi Flags Off Relief Material Trucks
Rahul Gandhi flagged off the Relief Material trucks from Marine Drive in Kochi, on Wednesday, 29 August.
Centre's Support Should Have Been More: Rahul In Kochi
Congress President Rahul Gandhi slammed the BJP-led central government, stating that the “extent of support should be more.”
He added that he will not comment on the “nature of the crisis.”
He said that the compensation promised should be delivered at the earliest.
Kochi Airport to Re-open Today
The Kochi Airport, which was closed since 15 August due to flooding, will resume its operations from 2 pm on Wednesday, 29 August.
"You are Not Alone in This," Rahul Tells Affected Families
Speaking to flood affected families in Athani, Kerala, Rahul Gandhi said "you are not alone in this, we are all there with you."
He also told them that even though they cannot do much, the Congress is going to whatever they can to bring relief to them.
Rahul Gandhi Arrvies at Relief Camp in Paravur, Ernakulam
After St Francis Asisi, Rahul Gandhi visits relief camp in Paravur, Erankulam.
Rahul Gandhi Visits Relief Camp at St Francis Asisi School, Ernakulam
Rahul Gandhi visits the relief camp at Saint Francis Asisi School, Athani, Ernakulam, Kerala.
Rahul Gandhi Reaches Ernakulam
Rahul Gandhi reaches Angamali, Ernakulam where he is set to visit relief camps. Many flood victims have reportedly been waiting at the St Francis Asisi school relief camp since 2 pm. They are unsure about where to go after the school reopens for classes on Tuesday, 29 August.
Rahul Gandhi Kicks off a Fund Collection Drive
Rahul Gandhi has kicked off a fund collection drive. Through drive INC Kerala is set to build 1001 homes for the flood affected in Kerala.
Rahul Gandhi Felicitates Fishermen, Promises a Fisheries Ministry if Cong Comes to Power
Congress President Rahul Gandhi felicitates fishermen in Alappuzha who carried out rescue operations during Kerala floods, and told them it was an honour for him to do so.
He also told them that if the Congress Government came to power they would set up a Fisheries Ministry, since he believed the troubles of fishermen in India was akin to that of farmers.
He also told them that he does not want to make fake promises and "this is a word of the Congress President."
Rahul Gandhi Visits Relief Camps
Rahulgandhi visits relief camps at Leo XIII school in Alapuzha; TRS Puram and Chalakuddy in Thrissur.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi Arrives in Kerala
Congress President Rahul Gandhi arrives at Trivandrum airport.
Central Government Might Give More Aid to Kerala: PM to Kerala Governor
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Governor of Kerala that centre could give more money to Kerala for the purpose of relief and rehabilitation once the state submits an additional memorandum, reported The Hindu.
According to a press release by Raj Bhavan, the initial Rs 600 crore relief was just an advance and the central is keeping a close watch on the situation.
Kochi Airport to Resume Operations From Tomorrow
Kochi Airport to resume full-scale operations (both international and domestic) from 2 pm on 29 August, reported ANI.
Union Health Min Approves Grant of over 18 Crore
The Union Health Ministry has approved a grant of over Rs 18 crore under the National Health Mission (NHM) for disbursing to village health, sanitation and nutrition committees in flood-ravaged Kerala.
The ministry had earlier said it is extending all support to the relief measures in the flood-battered state, where 3,757 medical relief camps have been set up.
"Health Ministry approves additional grant of Rs 18.71 crore under #NHM to #Kerala for disbursing to Village Health, Sanitation & Nutrition Committees for #KeralaFloodRelief, as per State request. #SwasthaBharat @JPNadda," the Ministry's twitter handle said.
Kerala's Accusations are False and Baseless: TN CM E Palaniswami
The Tamil Nadu government lashed out at the Kerala government’s accusations, which claimed the floods were caused due to the excess water released from the Mullaiperiyar dam.
Addressing a press meet, Chief Minister Edapaddi Palaniswami said:
The CM further alleged that the water from the dam was released a week after the Kerala floods, and not immediately as Vijayan’s government had claimed. He also added that the water was released in a phased manner, after three warning were issued – first at at 139 feet, second at 141 feet and third warning at 142 feet.
SC Orders Level of Mullaiperiyar Dam to be at 139.99 ft
Supreme Court orders the Tamil Nadu government to maintain water level at 139.99 feet in Mullaperiyar Dam till 31 August, reported ANI.
Pak Ready to Provide Humanitarian Assistance to Kerala: Imran Khan
Pakistan's new Prime Minister Imran Khan today said Pakistan stands ready to provide any humanitarian assistance to flood-ravaged Kerala as he sent best wishes to those affected by the devastating deluge.
"On behalf of the people of Pakistan, we send our prayers and best wishes to those who have been devastated by the floods in Kerala, India. We stand ready to provide any humanitarian assistance that may be needed," Khan said in a tweet.
Kerala Govt Files Case Against TN in SC
Kerala Government filed a case in the Supreme Court on Thursday, 23 August, against Tamil Nadu for ignoring it's request to control water flow during the floods
Kerala Govt Blames TN For Floods
The sudden release of water from the Mullaperiyar Dam by the Tamil Nadu government was one of the reasons for the devastating deluge in Kerala, the state government told the Supreme Court on Thursday, 23 August.
It said that out of a total population of about 3.48 crore, more than 54 lakh or one sixth of the population of Kerala, had been directly affected by the floods.
The Pinarayi Vijayan government said that in the wake of prior alerts by its engineers, Kerala's Water Resources Secretary had written to her counterpart in Tamil Nadu government and the Chairman of the Supervisory Committee on Mullaperiyar dam, requesting controlled release of water without waiting for the water level in the reservoir to reach its full level.
Kerala Govy requests Additional Medical Teams
The Kerala Government has requested for additional medical teams and setting up of field hospitals.
Army is moving medical assets in addition to the 12 teams already deployed.
Total of approximately 3000 people have received medical aid till now, reported ANI.
EU Donates 190,000 Euros to Red Cross For Kerala Floods
The European Union (EU) has donated an initial 190,000 euros to the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) for providing immediate assistance in flood-devastated Kerala.
Delhi HC Judges to Contribute Towards CM Relief Fund
Chief Justice of Delhi High Court and its other judges have decided to contribute voluntarily to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
Navy Calls off Rescue Operations in Kerala
Ending its 14-day long pursuit, the Southern Naval Command in Kochi has called off rescue operations in flood-hit Kerala. The Navy personnel have reportedly rescued a total of 16,005 people during 'Operation Madad’, which was launched on 9 August.
CM Vijayan to Review Relief Camps Today
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will conduct an in-person review of the functioning of relief camps today.
He will visit the camps in Chengannur, Kozhencherry, Alappuzha, North Paravoor and Chalakudy.
Govt Comitted to Meeting Kerala Relief Needs Through Domestic Efforts: MEA
Responding to queries regarding international assistance for flood relief measures, the official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs said that the government is committed to meeting the rehabilitation needs through domestic efforts.
“ Contributions to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund from NRIs, PIOs and international entities such as foundations would, however, be welcome,” the spokesperson said.
Army Will Be Honoured & Given A Farewell: Kerala CM
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, 22 August, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the Army will be honoured and given a farewell for helping in relief operations.
While stating that the rescue operations were “almost complete,” he added that a total of 3,314 relief camps with 12,10,483 people were operational in the state.
Speaking about controversy over UAE aid to Kerala, Vijayan said:
“We thank Virat Kohli and Indian cricket team for dedicating their win to the flood victims,” he added.
The Kochi Airport will open for operations on 29 August, the CM said.
In Photos: Roads Damaged In Munnar Due to Floods
Banks In Kerla Decide to Reschedule Loans
Banks in Kerala have decided to reschedule loans and to not levy service charges and fees for issuing new cheque books to customers affected by the floods that has left a trail of destruction.
The state Level Bankers Committee, Kerala, at its emergency meet yesterday also decided to announce a moratorium on education loan for a period of six months and all other loans for one year besides rescheduling the loan repayments for five years.
Ommen Chandy Writes to PM Modi, Says "Disappointed" With Funds
Former Kerala CM Ommen Chandy in a letter that the financial assistance announced by the Government of India “is quite disappointing”, compared to the magnitude of the crisis.
Kerala Govt releases Rs 25000 to Each Panchayat
The Kerala government has released Rs 25,000 to each panchayat to begin cleaning efforts.
NASA Releases Video Tracking Kerala Floods
NASA has released a video created using satellite data that provides an estimate of the intense rainfall over India in the past week and shows the spread of the resulting severe flooding in Kerala and parts of Karnataka.
Houses Resemble 'Battlefield' In Flood-hit Areas: Cong MLAs
Volunteers engaged in relief work in rain-hit regions here say houses, flats and shops affected by the floods resembled a 'battlefield' and it is "a very big challenge" to restore them.
MLAs Hibi Eden and M Swaraj said volunteers and officials could not open many homes as they were filled with carpet of slush and debris dumped by the floods.
"The houses hit by floods look like battlefields. It will take some time for the people to rebuild their lives," Eden, a Congress MLA, said while taking part in rehabilitation activities at Cheranellore Panchayat which falls under his Ernakulam constituency.
NCP Announces Rs 1 Crore Financial Aid, Medicines for Kerala
The Nationalist Congress Party announced financial aid of Rs 1 crore for flood-ravaged Kerala, apart from medicines and other materials it has donated for relief work, on Tuesday, 21 August.
Maharashtra NCP chief Jayant Patil demanded that the Centre declare the unprecedented floods a national disaster, and increase the financial assistance it has declared for the southern state.
NDMA Airlifts 80 Tonnes of Medicines to Kerala
The National Disaster Management Authority airlifted an approximate 80 tonnes of medicines from the Health Ministry and Rajasthan, to be distributed in flood-hit Kerala. An additional 10 tonnes of relief material will be distributed in the state.
Indian Coast Guard Team Distributes Relief Material in Munkuzhy
The Indian Coast Guard’s relief team distributed materials mobilised from Maharashtra to the flood-affected at Munkuzhy near Perumbavoor.
Deeply Saddened to Learn of Devastation in Kerala: Queen Elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth II of England in a message to President Ram Nath Kovind said that she was saddened to learn of the devastation and the los of life and property due to Kerala floods.
“Prince Philip and I were deeply saddened to learn of the devastation and loss of life caused by heavy rain and floods across Kerala,” the message from the Queen read.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have lost loved ones, those whose homes and livelihoods have been affected by flooding across India, and the valiant rescue efforts to help all those in need," it further read.
Kerala to Waive Customs Duty, GST On Relief Material
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a meeting of the state cabinet, which decided to seek the special package under the centrally-sponsored schemes, including the flagship rural employment programme MNREGS.
As the cabinet took stock of the havoc caused by the unprecedented floods in a century, the Centre released Rs 600 crore to Kerala and decided to waive customs duty and GST on the relief materials being imported for the affected people.
An all party meeting extended unstinted support for the government's relief and rehabilitation measurers with leaders cutting across party lines assuring that they would all work together to rebuild the state.
All Major Railway Lines Restored In Kerala
The Indian Railways have restored all the major tracks connecting Kerala that were damaged due to floods. Three divisions of Southern Railway were severely affected with heavy flash floods.
Rail routes between Thiruvananthapuram and Nagarcoil section, Ernakulam and Kottayam, Ernakulam and Shoranur, Palakkad and Shoranur, Shoranur and Kozhikkode, Kollam and Punalur section have been declared fit.
Teams Constituted to Deal With Public Health Issues
12 teams have been constituted to deal with public health issues in Kerala and the moment the water recedes they will be in action, said Health Minister JP Nadda on Tuesday, 21 August.
“10 specialist doctors team is ready. We have also sent our team from Bengaluru to Kodagu,” the minister added.
Centre Releases 600 Crore Aid
The Centre has released Rs 600 crore for Kerala as announced by PM Narendra Modi and HM Rajnath Singh, said a Home Ministry statement on Tuesday, 21 August.
Health Ministry Holds Meeting Over Kerala Floods
Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda and MoS Health Ashwini Choubey held a meeting over Kerala Floods.
All-Party Meet Underway in Thiruvananthapuram
An all-party meeting, being chaired by CM Pinarayi Vijayan, over Kerala Floods is underway in Thiruvananthapuram.
NCW Asks State Commissions to Contribute for Relief Ops
The National Commission for Women (NCW) has asked state commissions to contribute towards relief funds for flood-hit Kerala that is witnessing its worst deluge in nearly a century, chairperson Rekha Sharma told PTI.
The NCW staffers have also decided to donate their one day's salary towards relief operations in Kerala and Sharma and other senior officials have decided to donate a fraction of their one-month salary to relief operations.
NHAI Suspends User Fee at Three Toll Plazas
In view of the unprecedented flood situation in Kerala, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has suspended user fee at three toll plazas in the state, the government said on Tuesday, 21 August.
The waiver has been made on the toll plazas at Paliekkara in Thrissur district, Pampampallam in Palakkad district and Kumbalam in Cochin, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said in a statement.
The waiver came into effect last week and will continue till 26 August 26.
Kerala Govt to Recommend Special Assembly Session for Floods
Addressing a press conference ,CM Pinarayi Vijayan said the Kerala government would recommend a special assembly session be held on 30 August to discuss the relief and rehabilitation measures in the aftermath of the floods.
UAE Offers Financial Assistance of Rs 700 Cr
The United Arab Emirates has offered to contribute Rs 700 crore as financial assistance towards the relief measures, announced CM Pinarayi Vijayan.
MP Police Donates Rs 1.31 Cr to Kerala Relief Fund
The Madhya Pradesh Police force has donated Rs. 1.31 crore to Kerala Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. Apart from this, the police personnel will also donate a day’s salary towards the fund, announced state DGP Rishi Kumar Shukla.
Kerala Govt Calls for All-Party Meet to Discuss Flood Situation at 4 pm
Kerala government has called for an all-party meeting over flood situation in the state at 4 pm today in Thiruvananthapuram.
Tripura Donates 1 Crore to Kerala Relief Fund
Tripura government on Monday announced to donate Rs 1 crore to Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
“We are willing to extend maximum help in accordance with our financial condition,” CM Biplab Kumar Deb said.
CJI, SC Judges Donate 25,000 Each For Kerala Flood Relief
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra and all judges of Supreme Court on Monday decided to contribute Rs 25,000 each for the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
Nagpur's Keraleeya Samajam Cancels Onam Celebrations
Members of Nagpur's Keraleeya Samajam cancelled their Onam celebration and sent financial aid for flood affected people in Kerala.
ITBP Carries Out Rescue Ops
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel of 27th Battalion carried out relief works in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala.
IRDAI Directs Insurers For Immediate Settlement
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has issued guidelines for immediate settlement of claims of victims of recent floods in Kerala, reported Live Law. According to a circular dated 17 August, the insurers have been directed to take all steps to ensure that the claims are settled immediately, the report said.
Want Kerala Floods to Be Declared Natural Disaster, CM Vijayan
Addressing a press conference on Monday, 20 August, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that he wanted the floods to be declared a national disaster.
“The Centre has cited technical reasons. They have promised assistance. We have to assess the damage. We hope the Centre will provide adequate compensation,” Vijayan said.
Parts of Andhra Pradesh Receives Heavy Rainfall
A low pressure area now lies over Odisha, West Bengal and its adjoining areas of northwest Bay of Bengal, said India Meteorological Department official to ANI.
“Under its influence, Andhra northern coastal received copious amounts of rainfall in last 24 hours. Some parts of Visakhapatnam, East and West Godavari have received heavy to very heavy rainfall,” said an IMD official.
Centre Dispatches 100 MT of Pulses, 52 MT of Emergency Medicine
The Department of Consumer Affairs dispatched 100 million tonne (MT) of pulses on Monday, 20 August, to Kerala. The Ministry of Health has airlifted 52 MT of emergency medicines, reported ANI.
Kerala Floods Declared 'Calamity of Severe Nature'
The massive flood in Kerala has been declared a calamity of severe nature, the Home Ministry said on Monday, 20 August.
"Keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of the floods and landslides in Kerala, this is a calamity of a severe nature for all practical purposes," a home ministry official said.
Navy, NDRF Rescue 87 Victims From Kodagu
Two rescue teams with two Gemini craft have been deployed in Kodagu since 17 August by Headquarters Karnataka Naval Area.
The Indian Navy teams integrated with NDRF and civil administration have rescued 67 people from Kallur, Devasur villages in Kodagu district, reported ANI.
In Photos: Aerial View Of Flooded Areas in Kerala
Odisha IAS,IPS Officers to Give One-day Salary
The IAS Officers Association of Odisha has decided to contribute at least one day's salary of its members to the Kerala Chief Minister's Relief Fund to help the flood-affected people.
The association stands as one with the people of Kerala during this crisis and wishes them strength to overcome the tragedy, secretary of the officers' body Sishal Dev said.
He also said that the Odisha government has deputed a special team to Kerala to provide humanitarian and disaster assistance to support the people in Kerala, which has been reeling under severe floods.
Health, Sanitation Priority of Kerala Govt: Minister
Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja on Monday, 20 August, said that the priority of their government was health and sanitation, reported ANI.
“We have all the resources required to help the people and we also urge them to come forward if they any issue related to the same,” KK Shailaja.
Prisoners Feed Flood Victims In Kerala
The Central Prison at Poojappura here has been selling a number of food items including chapathi, vegetable and chicken curries under the brand name 'freedom' on a commercial basis for some years now.
The low-cost dishes sold through a number ofcounters in the capital city have many takers. According to jail authorities, an average of 40,000-50,000 chapathis were prepared for flood victims during the peak days last week.
Though the work load is too high, around 50 convict prisoners of the chapathi unit were working round the clock in different shifts to meet the demand, they said. The neatly-packed chapathi and curry were handed over to the district authorities to be distributed to the relief camps.
Rain Eases But Kerala Faces Mammoth Rehabilitation Task
With rains ebbing away, Kerala got some respite in Monday, 20 August, but faced the gigantic task of rehabilitating those rendered homeless and preventing outbreak of water-borne diseases, even as the death toll mounted to 216, officials said.
Over 7.24 lakh displaced people have been sheltered in 5,645 relief camps dotting the state, they said.
Lt Gen D R Soni, the chief of the Army's Southern Command, told a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram that rescue operations are still continuing and drones are being used to assist in reaching people trapped in areas not easily accessible.
Sent Relief Material Worth Rs 50 Lakh, More to Follow: Ramdev
Yoga Guru Ramdev today said that he has sent relief material worth Rs 50 Lakh to flood-affected areas in Kerala and Karnataka, adding he will be sending material worth 1.5 crores more in the coming days, ANI reported. "Nation is proud of resue and relief operations conducted by security forces in these areas, " he added.
SC Judges to Contribute to Kerala Relief Fund
The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Dipak Misra today announced that SC judges will also contribute to Kerala flood relief fund, news agency PTI reported.
Signs of Normalcy Return to Kerala's Idukki
Signs of normalcy returned to Kerala’s Idukki on Monday as the ATM services resumed. The teams are currently working towards restoring connectivity and communication.
At Least 181 People Rescued From Multiple Locations: Dy Commissioner Kodagu District
Jet Airways to Start Special Flights Between Bengaluru and Kochi
As part of the relief efforts, Jet Airways is operating special flights between Bengaluru and the Kochi navy airfield. These flights will operate from 21 August. Jet Airways has also deployed additional flights to and from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Dubai and Dammam to Thiruvananthapuram, Livemint reported on Monday.
VP Venkaiah Naidu, Other Rajya Sabha Officials to donate 1-month Salary
Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu held a meeting with Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh and other senior officials of Rajya Sabha on the Kerala floods and decided to donate one-month salary to the Kerala relief funds.
Following Trains to Kerala to Run as Per Schedule
Shiv Sena MPs, MLAs Donate One-month Salary to Relief Fund
The Shiv Sena MPs and MLAs will contribute their one-month salary to the Kerala Flood Relief fund, the party announced on Monday.
Passengers Arrive at Kochi Naval Base Air Station
Passengers on Monday arrived at the Kochi Naval Base as commercial flights are set to resume from here after heavy floods in Kerala forced Cochin International Airport to shut operations till 26 August.
Visuals From a Relief Camp in Kerala
Fishermen Our Biggest Heroes, says Union Minister KJ Alphons
Union Minister K J Alphons today said that the biggest heroes in this hour of crisis in Kerala are the fishermen who came in 600 boats and are rescuing people. “today we have close to 1 million people in relief camps. District collectors are working as coordinators & providing supplies. Central forces are providing amazing service to Kerala,” he said.
A 'Thanks' Note on the Roof of a House in Kochi
Indian Coast Guard Continues Rescue Operations
The Indian Coast Guard today continued its relief and rescue operations across the state after torrential rains finally let up, giving some respite to people of the flood-ravaged Kerala.
Doctors and Paramedical Staff From Maharashtra Leave for Kerala
Fifty-five JJ Hospital doctors and 26 doctors from Pune’s Sasson Hospital, accompanied by paramedical staff, have left for Thiruvananthapuram in two Air India aircraft.
Oxfam India Prepares Emergency Relief and Assistance for Kerala
Oxfam India is preparing emergency relief and assistance for people affected by one of the worst floods in the history of Kerala.
The Kerala floods have affected more than one million people, left hundreds of thousands homeless and so far claimed the lives of more than 350 people.
Oxfam India’s Director of Programs and Humanitarian Response Pankaj Anand said following a rapid assessment of the situation, Oxfam India was preparing to respond in Idduki and Wayanad districts initially – and then scaling up to cover three more districts, Alappuzha, Palakkad and Pathanamthitta.
State Rescuers Save 22,000 People as Rains Let up
State rescuers and fishermen on Sunday, 19 August, rescued at least 22,000 people after the torrential rains, described by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan as the worst in a century, devastated the southern state, The Indian Express reported. The Met department said that the rains are expected to diminish over the next few days, giving some respite to almost 9 lakh people currently living in camps.
Focus Shifts to Rescue as Rains Let Up
Torrential rains that ravaged the southern state of Kerala finally let up on Sunday, 19 August, giving some respite to the marooned families, but authorities feared an outbreak of disease among around 7,25,000 people crammed into relief camps, news agency Reuters reported.
IMD forecast heavy rainfall in only one or two parts of Kerala on Sunday and withdrew a red alert in several districts.
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