Nearly 80 Dead In Kerala Floods, 12 More NDRF Teams Deployed

Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

The death toll of the Kerala floods has risen to 79, according to IANS. 35 of the 39 dams in the state have been opened, as per the New Indian Express. As heavy rains continue to inundate the area, a red alert has been declared in all 14 districts.

Eighteen NDRF teams and 21 rescue teams from the Indian Navy have been deployed, with 12 more NDRF teams on the way. Army units have also been posted. The public transport system has collapsed in parts of the state, with Southern Railway and Kochi Metro suspending their operations. Kochi airport will remain shut till 18 August.

More than 1.5 lakh people have been lodged in relief camps. PM Modi assured Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that the Centre stood firmly behind Kerala.

Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala. @CMOKerala

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018

Had a detailed discussion with Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the unfortunate flood situation in the state. Centre stands firmly with the people of Kerala and is ready to provide any assistance needed. @CMOKerala

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2018

According to the CM, Kerala has incurred a loss of at least Rs 8,136 crore till now.

(With inputs from ANI, The New Indian Express and PTI.)