Kerala Battles Worst Flood in History, Death Toll Rises To 114
All districts of Kerala will receive “heavy rainfall” till 14 August, predicted IMD.
With the death toll in the devastating floods rising to 114 in Kerala, and more than one lakh people living in relief camps across the state, the Centre on Thursday, 16 August, deployed all three wings of the armed forces in a massive rescue operation.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the state on Friday, 17 August.
- CM Pinarayi Vijayan said that water levels are expected to increase, and assured deployment of additional helicopters
- A red alert has been issued in all 14 districts
- 24 dams across the state had been opened, leading to flooding of towns and villages
- The Kochi airport will remain shut till 26 August
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Kerala CM Conducts Ariel Survey
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas of the state on Saturday, 11 August, ANI reported. Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala also accompanied the CM.
Vijayan announced Rs 4 lakh for those who have lost homes and Rs 10 lakh for those who have lost homes and land in landslides and flooding.
Rahul Gandhi Urges Party Workers to Help
Congress President Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday, expressed concerns over the flood situation in Kerala and urged party workers in the rain-battered state to help those in need.
"Unprecedented rainfall has created havoc in Kerala, destroying property and forcing thousands to abandon their homes. I urge each and every Congress worker in Kerala to step up and help those in need. My prayers and thoughts are with the people of Kerala in this difficult time," he said on Twitter.
Idukki Waters Recede
Thousands living around the Idukki dam and in Ernakulam and Thrissur heaved a sigh of relief on Saturday as the heavy rains predicted in Kerala did not happen and as a result the Idukki dam waters ravaging the area over the last few days subsided.
"The rains have slowed down in and around the Idukki dam since last night and hence the water level in the dam has also come down," state Power Minister MM Mani said.
"So far things are fine and everything is going as planned. The water that came down the five floodgates, barring at Cheruthoni, has not caused any major crisis," added Mani, who is monitoring the situation from here.
Rahul Gandhi Writes to PM Modi
Congress President Rahul Gandhi wrote to PM Narendra Modi urging him to extend his government's support and financial assistance to the flood-ravaged areas of Kerala.
Calling it the "most severe disaster to have struck the state in the last five decades", Gandhi asked the prime minister, "to release sufficient funds immediately to the State government to enable the state to respond effectively, and work towards restoring critical infrastructure."
Indian Army Aids in Rescue Operations
Troops are relentlessly involved in rescue operations fighting bad weather, poor communications and connectivity. A total of more than 1000 people including elderly women and children were rescued from various locations where teams are presently operating, Indian Army responded on Kerala Floods.
“Worst hit by floods are areas of Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Idukki and Mallapuram. 10 columns comprising more than 40 composite teams are working round the clock to ensure that even the last person stranded at any remote floods hit area is rescued”, it added.
Kerala CM Confirms 33 Dead in Kerala Floods
Thirty-three dead and six are missing due to the Kerala floods, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Sunday, 12 August.
Speaking to ANI, the CM added, “The State Police, National Disaster Response Force, Army and other forces are working with the same motive – that is to help the people of the state. The PM called us and said that any more help needed, will be provided to us.”
Connectivity to Idukki District Restored
Connectivity to Virinjapara in Mankulam area, Idukki district, has been restored by Army. The concrete bridge connecting the village had washed away two days back. Over 800 families reside in the village.
Rajnath Singh Conducts Aerial Survey of Flood-Affected Areas
Home Minister Rajnath Singh conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected areas in Kerala, along with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister KJ Alphons on Sunday, 12 August.
Water Level at Kerala's Idukki Dam Further Decreases
The water level in Kerala's Idukki dam further decreased on Sunday, 12 August, and now stands at 2,399.28 feet even as parts of Ernakulam and Thrissur districts still remain submerged.
Even as the water level of the dam was now below the 2,400 feet mark, district authorities said that the decision to close down the five floodgates will be taken at a later date depending on the amount of rains.
(IANS)
'Centre to Provide Additional Rs 100 Cr to Kerala': Rajnath Singh
After taking stock the situation in Kerala in the wake of floods on Sunday, Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced an immediate relief of an additional Rs 100 crore.
Taking to Twitter, Singh appealed to "all political parties, social and cultural organisations to join hands with the state government in mitigating the sufferings of the people of Kerala".
Preliminary Assessment Pegs the Loss at Rs 8,316 Cr': Pinarayi Vijayan
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan said on Sunday that the preliminary assessment shows the loss due to floods in Kerala to be worth Rs 8,316 crores, with nearly 20,000 houses being fully damaged and nearly 10,000 km of state PWD roads damaged.
The Chief Minister also urged the Centre to sanction a special package within four weeks time.
DMK to Give Rs 1 Cr Flood Relief to Kerala Govt
DMK Working President MK Stalin in a press statement, said that the party would offer relief worth Rs one crore to the Kerala government, reports The Indian Express.
Expressing his condolences to the families if the bereaved, he said: "Unprecedented floods in Kerala have affected many people and has caused damage to properties worth crores. The party's working president M K Stalin has decided to contribute Rs 1 crore to Kerala Chief Minister's Relief Fund,” the report adds.
Passports Damaged in Kerala Floods to be Replaced for Free: Sushma Swaraj
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj took to Twitter on Sunday, 12 August to announce that all the passports that have been damaged in the Kerala floods will be replaced for free.
Water Level at Idukki Dam Recedes
The water level in Kerala’s Idukki dam further decreased on Monday, 13 August, and now stands at 2,397.94.
Death Toll Touches 39
Death toll in Kerala Floods rises to 39, reported ANI.
Tourism Takes a Hit Due to Rains
Just as the tourism industry was recovering from the cancellation of bookings at hotels and resorts following the Nipah outbreak, heavy rains and floods came as a huge blow, say industry sources.
The state's tourism department was all set to organise the famed snake boat races, which have mesmerised visitors for decades, by giving it an new format-- Champion's Boat League (CBL)-- on the lines of the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 11 August this year. The event has now been postponed.
The Responsible Tourism Mission under the tourism department had drawn up a programme for organsing feasts at countryside homes for tourists during the onam festival next week. The flood-hit areas are now certain to be excluded, sources said.
According to E M Najeeb, senior vice president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO),70-80 percent of hotel bookings in scenic Idukki, Munnar and Kumarakkom, the most preferred tourist destinations, have been cancelled.
(With inputs from PTI)
Centre Releases Over Rs 320 Cr to Kerala As Relief Fund
Over Rs 320 crore has been released by the Centre to the Kerala government as calamity relief fund during 2018-2019, the Home Ministry said on Monday, 13 August.
The allocation of the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) for 2018-19 was Rs 214 crore, of which the central government's share was Rs 160.50 crore and the state government's share was Rs 53.50 crore.
The central government supplements the effort of the Kerala government by providing assistance for relief of immediate nature through the SDRF and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) as per the established procedure, the statement by the Home Ministry said.
(With inputs from PTI)
Authorities Advise Devotees Not to Visit Sabarimala Temple
Devotees were advised by authorities on Monday, 13 August not to visit Sabrimala temple in the coming days as the Pampa river at the foothills is overflowing due to heavy rains.
The Travancore Devaswom Board, which manages the hill shrine, district authorities and police have issued several alerts to devotees and decided to stop them at various points till the water level recedes.
A large number of pilgrims are flocking to the famed Lord Ayyappa temple as it will be opened for the 'niraputhari' ritual and festivities of 'Chingam' this week.
IMD Issues Red Alert in Key Districts
India Meteorological Department has issued red alert - heavy to very heavy rainfall in most places for Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Idukki and Ernakulam Districts till Thursday.
Kochi AIrport to Remain Shut Till 18 August
Kochi airport will remain shut till 18 August, 2 pm due to heavy rains, ANI reported
Death Toll Rises to 44
The death toll in Kerala has risen to 44 as there is no let up in heavy rains and the operations of the Kochi airport have been suspended till Saturday.
In Munnar, a man hailing from neighbouring Tamil Nadu was killed and six persons were rescued after a mound of earth fell on a hotel last evening, official sources said.
In a similar incident in Kondotty, a heavy mound of earth fell onto a concrete house at 1 am on Wednesday, claiming a couple's lives. A search is on for their six-year-old child who was asleep in the same room with them, district authorities said.
A fisherman was electrocuted in Thrissur as he came in touch with a snapped electric wire.
Death Toll Rises to 47
Rain fury continued unabated in Kerala on Wednesday, where 47 people have died so far, with the Kochi international airport announced shut till Saturday after water gushed inside the airport area and train services remained suspended in many parts of the state.
Karnataka Transport Cancels Premium Services Between Bengaluru and Mangalore
Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has cancelled its premium services between Bengaluru and Mangalore. Premium services will not operate in Subramanya, Dharmasthala, Kundapur.
Only express service (Karnataka Sarige) buses operating via Charmadi to Mangaluru, ANI reported. The transport corporation has also suspended its services from Bengaluru to Kerala's Kannanur, Kozhikode and Kasaragod.
Ensuring Drinking Water to People is Priority, Says Kerala CM Vijayan
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijaya today said that the state of Kerala is witnessing something that has never happened before. "We're keeping all this in mind but our priority is to get drinking water to the people. All the officials are involved in the rescue and relief operations," he said.
Vijayan added that the rain will continue for the next four days too, and we all need to be careful. “The neighbouring states have been helping us and we will need their help in the future too.”
Kerala Cancels Onam Celebrations
Following a heavy rainfall in Kerala, the government was forced to do away with the official 'Onam' celebrations. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters the amount set apart for the purpose will be utilised for relief operations, PTI reported.
Kerala Govt Requests Centre for more Army, NDRF Personnel
The Kerala government today appealed to the Centre to rush more army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel for relief and rescue operations as heavy rains continued wreaking havoc in the state.
8 Dead as House Collapses in Mallapuram
At least eight people lost their lives when a house collapsed in the flood-ravaged Kerala’s Mallapuram on Wednesday, Hindustan Times reported.
Four NDRF Teams Airlifted From Pune to Kerala
Four teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been airlifted from Pune Airport to Kerala for rescue operations.They have full-wave rectified (FWR) equipment and communication equipment with them, ANI reported.
PM Modi Says 'Centre Ready to Give any Assitance to Kerala'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today discussed with Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan the ongoing "unfortunate" flood situation in the state. The Prime Minister tweeted, saying that "Centre stands firmly with the people of Kerala and is ready to provide any assistance needed."
Kerala CM Asks Tamil Nadu Counterpart to Reduce Water levels of Mullaperiyar Dam
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asked Tamil Nadu CM E.K. Palaniswami for his intervention, demanding the state reduce the water level of Mullaperiyar Dam to 139 ft. The water level in Mullaperiyar Dam has reached 142 ft.
Shashi Tharoor Visits Temporary Relief Centre in Kerala
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor today visited a temporary relief centre in flood-ravaged Kerala. In another tweet, tharoor wrote that the flood situation in Kerala is really bad. “The national media coverage has been grossly inadequate compared to the gravity of the situation here. It is a sad reflection of the truism that the farther you are from Delhi, the less you matter in today's India,” he said.
Shashi Tharoor to Donate One-month Salary for Flood Victims
Educational Institutions in Ernakulam District to Remain Shut on August 16, 17
All the educational institutions in Ernakulam district to remain closed on August 16 and 17, following heavy and incessant rains in the state, ANI reported.
Southern Railways, Kochi Metro Suspend Operations
The public transport system collapsed in many parts of central Kerala with the Southern Railways and Kochi Metro on Thursday, 16 August, suspending their operations due to floods.
"Due to rise in water level at Bridge No 176 on Downline between Angamali and Aluva, The services on this bridge is suspended," a Southern railway spokesman said in a statement early on Thursday.
The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) also suspended its operations this morning after its yard in Muttom near Aluva submerged in the flood waters.
Visuals From Achankoil River at Alappuzha's Kollakadavu Rises
KSRTC Suspends Bus Services to Kochi
Due to heavy rain, Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus services suspended from Chamarajanagar district for Tamil Nadu's Ooty and Kerala's Kochi.
PM Modi Dials Up Kerala CM, Says Defence Min to Step Up Relief Ops
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, 16 August, called Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The PM tweeted that he has asked the Defence Ministry to step up rescue and relief operations in the state.
Cauvery Flows Above Danger Mark
Heavy rain lashes out in Karnataka’s Kodagu region. The Cauvery river flowing above danger mark in Medikeri, reported ANI.
Army Builds 35-ft Long Bridge To Rescue Stranded Citizens
The army built a 35-feet long bridge and rescued approximately a hundred people, including children and senior citizens, from Malampuzha's Valiyakadu village, ANI reported.
Kerala Flood Toll Touches 79 As Heavy Rains Continue
With rains still pouring down heavilty leading to flooding of dams and rivers across Kerala, 12 fresh deaths were reported on Thursday, taking the toll to 79 since 8 August, IANS reported.
The state has been on a red alert since Wednesday evening. A total of 28 deaths were reported on the day.
The deaths on Thursday were reported from Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad and Thrissur, IANS said. In Palakkad, five people died in a landslide.
82 Tourists Stranded in Munnar
82 tourists are stranded inside a bus in Munnar, ANI reported. All routes are either flooded, or blocked due to mudslides.
Rajnath Singh Assures "All Possible Assistance"
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday spoke to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the situation in the state, and assured all possible assistance.
NDRF Evacuates 926 Persons
926 persons have been evacuated so far by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to safer places at Pathamithitta, Kozzhikode, Ernakulam, Thrissur & Alappuzha, ANI reported.
Union Tourism Minister Expected To Arrive in Thiruvananthapuram
Union Tourism Minister and former Kerala MLA Alphons Kannanthanam met the prime minister, home minister, defence minister and finance minister on Wednesday to discuss floods in the state, reports ANI. He would be travelling to Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday and will meet those concerned for any coordination.
Stranded People Being Airlifted From Thrissur, Indo-Tibetan Border Police Steps In
The CMO tweeted that airlifting of stranded people has begun in Chalakudy and Bhoothathankettu areas in Thrissur district. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police also conducted rescue operations in Thrissur’s Arattupuzha village, ANI reported.
2 Children Dead in Kozhikode, Monsoon Fury Continues
Amid heavy rain in Kozhikode district, 2 children died in wall collapse in Oorkadavu on Thursday, 16 August, ANI reported.
Army Use Tubes and Utensils To Rescue 23 Civilians in Ernakulam
Twenty-three people, including women and children, were rescued from Ernakulam by the Indian Army. The army used modified tubes and utensils to carry out the operation.
CM Vijayan Calls Situation "Very Serious", Helicopters To Be Deployed
Addressing the media, CM Pinarayi Vijayan reiterated the prevailing situation in the state, calling it “very serious”. He chaired a high-level meeting to review flood situation.
“Very serious situation is prevailing in the state as nearly all villages are flood affected. I had a telephonic conversation with prime minister, home minister and defence minister, they have offered all support. More helicopters to be deployed soon,” the CM was quoted by ANI as saying. 200 lifeboats have also been inducted, army special forces and 10 helicopters have been deployed, The News Minute reported quoting the CM.
The CMO had earlier tweeted that life jackets will be airdropped to stranded groups.
Rahul Gandhi Requests PM For Additional Deployment of Army and Navy
Congress President Rahul Gandhi spoke with PM Modi on Thursday to request financial assistance o flood-hit Kerala, as well as increased deployment of the army and navy.
People Stranded in Pathanamthitta Rescued
The people stranded in Pathanamthitta have been rescued and moved to Chala Boys High School in Thiruvananthapuram, said the CMO in a tweet.
Ministry of Civil Aviation Lends a Helping Hand, Sets Up Control Room in Delhi
A control room has been set up at DGCA headquarters in New Delhi to address issues after suspension of flight operations to and from Kochi airport, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Civil Aviation said in a tweet.
CMO Issues Alert, Asks People to Evacuate
The CMO in a tweet issued an alert for people living near Periyar and Chalakudy rivers, and asked them to evacuate immediately.
Stranded in His Own House, Man Makes Plea For Rescue Through Viral Video
In a viral video, a man stranded on the second floor of his house in Chengannur, Kerala, appealed for help through a video message, and said there has been no response to calls.
12 Additional NDRF Teams Airlifted to Thiruvananthapuram
Twelve more teams of NDRF, 6 from Delhi and 6 from Gandhinagar are being airlifted to Thiruvananthapuram, ANI reported. 18 teams are already deployed in the state.
Indian Navy Outlines Deployment of Rescue Teams in Kerala
In a blueprint, the Indian Navy outlined the deployment of teams in Kerala as of Thursday, 16 August.
Indian Coast Guard Intensifies Relief Operations Throughout the State
The Indian Coast Guard mustered its resources to evacuate people from Munanbam village. It has also pressed for 10 teams for rescue & relief operations in Patanamthitta, Munanbam, Aranmula, Idukki, Calicut, Allepy, Aluva and Chengannur.
Odisha CM Announces 5 Cr For Relief Work
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced assistance of Rs 5 crore five crore for relief and restoration work in Kerala.
SC Calls Situation 'Grave', To Consider Plea on Mullaperiyar Dam
The Supreme Court today termed as "grave" the flood situation in Kerala and agreed to hear a plea seeking Centre's mediation between Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments on the issue of the Mullaperiyar Dam crossing the 142 ft threshold.
The plea seeks a decision on disaster management steps in the background of the floods, opening of 33 dams in Kerala, confusion between Kerala and Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers as water in the Mullaperiyar Dam has crossed the danger mark. The court ordered National Crisis Management Committee to meet on Friday and file a report.
Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami had earlier written to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring 'no threat to the safety' of Mullaiperiyar dam.
Supreme Court Bar Association Donates Rs. 30 Lakh To Flood Relief
Supreme Court Bar Association donated Rs. 30 lakh to Kerala Flood relief, Bar and Bench reported.
Relief Camp Setup at Kochi's Aircraft Hanger
A relief camp was setup at Aircraft Hanger, INS Garuda, and Kochi for those rescued in the floods.
Centre Appoints New Panel For Mullaperiyar Dam
Centre has appointed a new panel under the chairmanship of Central Water Commissioner which will have representatives of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The Mullaperiyar dam is situated in Kerala but is controlled by Tamil Nadu. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan had asked Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi Palaniswami to urgently reduce the water level to 139 feet from the current level of 142 feet.
Munnar, Wayanad Remain Isolated
Tourist hotspots of Munnar and Wayanad have been isolated as rains and lanslides have blocked access to the hill stations. A landslide in Devikulam near Munnar, killed four people of family. Although the landslide happened early in the morning, the news has only trickled out now because all communications, including mobile and internet, are disrupted.
Watch Live From Oorkadavu, Kozhikode Where Landslides Have Claimed 4 Lives
Landslide in Adivasi Colony Kills Seven
A landslide which happened around 2 am has killed seven in a remote Adivasi colony in Oorngattiri, Malappuram district.
Aluva, Chalakkudi in Crisis
Thousands have been trapped in the low-lying towns of Aluva and Chalakkudi in Ernakulam district. Local media is reporting that distress helplines have been unable to deal with the volume of distress calls. Many are trapped on their terraces and are unable to call for help as their mobile phones have become unusable due to battery discharge. People have been advised to stay away from Aluva town.
Kochi Metro Resumes Services
Kochi Metro resumed operations at 4pm on Thursday. It will assist in rescue operations and provides services for free for today.
CMO Issues Alert For Low Lying Areas
People in the low lying areas along Chalakudy river and its tributaries are requested to move to higher locations as a precaution, said the CMO in a tweet, issuing an alert.
Rumours of a Power Blackout Are False: Minister For Power
The CMO in a tweet urged citizens to abstain from spreading misinformation on whatsapp and social media networks. “Many rumours & fake news are surfacing. Listen for official announcements,” the tweet read. A statement from the Minister of Power echoed the same.
"There are rumours floating that there will be a state-wide electricity blackout. People are advised not to pay heed to these baseless rumours. The department is working hard to restore power to the disrupted areas. Around 4,000 transformers have been turned off. Many sub-stations and power housed have also been shut down. They will be restarted once the water recedes,” the statement read.
Kochi Airport to Remain Closed Till 2pm on 26 August
Operations at the Kochi aiport has been suspended till 2 pm on 26 August in the wake of rain and floods.
“Kochi airport operation is temporarily suspended up to 1400 hrs on 26.8.2018 due to very high flood situation and key essential facilities like runway, taxiway, apron. nav aids are under submerged condition,” the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) said in a statement.
35 NDRF Teams Sent to Kerala to Scale Up Operations
The Centre decided to send 35 more NDRF teams comprising nearly 1,000 personnel to shore up relief and rescue operations. After the meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee early in the day, the government initially directed sending 12 fresh teams to the state and later decided to airlift 23 more teams in order to scale up the operations.
Defence Minister Chairs Meeting to Review Rescue Efforts
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman chaired a meeting with various officials to review the rescue efforts in the flood-affected areas of Kerala.
100 People Rescued Near Kozhikode Town
A group of 100 people were rescued from the flooded area of Kakkodi, Kiralur and Oorkadavu near the town of Kozhikode.
Kerala Govt Warns Action Against Rumour-Mongers
The Kerala government has issued warning to rumour mongers as for the last two days, people in Idukki district and those living downstream of the Periyar river have been living in a state of fear with rumours abounding that the Mullaperiyar dam, which had reached the Full Reservoir Level of 142 feet, had developed cracks.
In a letter written by the Secretary to Kerala Government (Water resources) to the Director General of Police (DGP) Loknath Behara, the government has asked the police Cyber Cell to trace the source of such rumours and take action.
Kerala Govt Reschedules Onam Vacations for Schools
The Education department has rescheduled Onam vacation for schools in Kerala. The holiday will be from 17 August to 29 August.
Train Services Suspended in Kerala Till 4pm on 17 August
All the train services in the state will be suspended till 4pm on 17 August due to severe weather conditions, Southern Railway has confirmed.
Death Toll Mounts to 97 In Kerala Floods
Torrential rain and floods claimed 30 lives on Thursday, 16 August, PTI reported quoting officials.
Altogether 97 people have died in rain-related incidents since the second spell of monsoon fury got unleashed on 8 August.
Flood Fury in Pictures
Telecom Customers in Kerala to Get Free Services for 7 Days
Reliance Jio, BSNL and Bharti Airtel have announced free calls and data, extension in bill payment due dates and other relief measures for subscribers in flood-hit state of Kerala, reported PTI.
Tamil Nadu Govt Says Mullaperiyar Dam Safe to Hold Water up to 142 ft
The Tamil Nadu government turned down a plea by flood-hit Kerala for reducing the water level in the Mullaperiyar Dam to 139 feet over safety concerns in view of heavy inflows, saying the century-old reservoir was 'safe' enough to store water up to 142 feet.
Chief Minister K Palaniswami stated this in a letter, responding to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan's communication to him.
1,500 People Stranded Without Food at Meditation Centre
In just one of the incidents of people being trapped, around 1,500 people have been trapped in Divine Meditation Centre in Chalakkudi, Ernakulam district. They have appealed for food to be dropped from a helicopter. Around 350 inmates of a mental health hospital have also been trapped.
More Helicopters, Boats For Rescue From Tomorrow: CM VIjayan
“Many people have trapped in the upper floors of houses and so on. Rescue operations are on. There is also a need to provide them food and water. Local bodies should make arrangements for this. Help should be sought from everyone from this,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told a press conference.
“More helicopters will be made available tomorrow. Three helicopters will be provided each for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Wayanad.
“Plantation workers and Adivasis from Wayanad are facing difficulties. Free ration will be provided for them.
“We aim to rescue all those trapped by tomorrow morning. 200 more boats will be made available tomorrow. 2,500 people from Ernakulam and 550 people from Pathanamthitta have been rescued,” he added.
PM Modi to Visit Kerala Tomorrow
Union Minister KJ Alphons said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the state tomorrow.
More Than 600 People Stranded on Top of Aluva Jama Masjid
Over 600 people, including children and pregnant women, have been trapped for hours on the terrace of Jama Masjid in Kondotty in Aluva.
Railway Recruitment Board Exam Postponed
Due to the floods, the Railway Recruitment Board exam, which was scheduled to be conducted on Thursday, 16 August, in Kerala, has been postponed, ANI reports.
Relief Camps Set Up Inside Aircraft Hanger in Naval Base
The Indian navy tweeted out a few pictures, saying that around 180 locals have been airlifted from affected areas, and brought to a Relief Camp inside an aircraft hanger in Naval Base, Kochi. Mobile phones, landlines, basic amenities and medical care, including an ambulance, has been provided at the camp.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister tweeted that a team of military ETF has arrived in Thiruvalla for rescue operation.
In Photos: Rescue Missions Underway in Flood-Hit Kerala
Rescue operations were carried out in flood-hit Kerala on Thursday, 16 August.
The operations continued onto Kochi’s Muppathadam as well.
The NDRF also conducted rescue operations in Idukki.
1342 Stranded People Rescued; 4240 Guided to Safer Places: Coast Guard
The Indian Coast Guard on Friday, 17 August announced that it had rescued 1342 stranded people, while 4240 others were guided to safer areas that were away from the flood-hit portions of Kerala. It also said that 18 rescue and relief teams had been deployed to conduct the rescue mission.
Kochi Airport Submerged, Shut Till 26 August
The submerged Kochi airport will remain shut till 26 August, reported PTI.
Sending Additional Rubbarised Boats & Divers: Indian Navy
The Indian Navy, through a tweet put out by its spokesperson, said that it was making arrangements to send out additional rubbarised boats and divers to the flood-afflicted areas, in an attempt to speed up the rescue operations.
Resuce Ops Underway In Manjumala Village
The Indian Coast Guard's rescue and relief team from Vandiperiyar has been shifted to the flood-affected Manjumala village. The team has rescued 16 stranded people from the village.
Death Toll Touches 114
With the death toll in the devastating floods rising to 114 in Kerala, and more than one lakh people living in relief camps across the state, reported IANS.
5 Units Of NDRF Reach Kerala
Five units of National Disaster Response Force have reached Thiruvananthapuram on Friday, 17 August for rescue operations. 35 teams are expected to reach there later in the day, reported ANI.
PM Modi Speaks to Kerala CM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that he spoke to the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan about the flood situation in the state. He also confirmed that he will visit the state later in the day.