#KeralaFloods: 324 dead, over 2L in camps, rescue operations on
In rain battered Kerala, life continues to be on standstill. On Friday, CM Pinaryi Vijayan said 324 people have lost their lives, over 2 lakh people are in about 1500+ relief camps, as the state witnessed its worst rainfall in 80 years. Except for Kasargod, all districts are on red alert. Heavy rescue operations are on and Vijayan promised 11 more helicopters for worst-hit areas.
Since August 8, torrential rains wreaking havoc in Kerala
The torrential rains which started on August 8 led to landslides and heavy floods, pushing the state to this disaster. Air, rail, and road traffic was severely hit. Kochi, Munnar, etc., have been cut off from the rest of the state. In districts like Alapuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta, roads and houses have been completely submerged. Water also started entering relief camps.
People are perched on rooftops, waiting to be rescued
Most of the people are stranded on roof and treetops waiting to be rescued. Till now, 42 Navy, 16 Army, 28 Coast Guard and 39 NDRF teams have been undertaking the rescue operation. 14 NDRF teams will join soon. The military has sent 200 boats for rescue ops. Marooned people, having no food or place to stay, have asked for help through social media.
Amid disaster, fishermen step up to rescue people
Amid this turmoil, fishermen of Kerala have emerged as the true heroes. Across the state, they can be seen rescuing people in boats and moving from one place to another. The community has deployed 100 boats. "We are used to water and since our boats can go through these by lanes, we decided to take part in the rescue operations," a fisherman said.
Will there be a relief from rains? Doesn't seem so
Though the intensity of rain decreased on Friday, the MeT has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall across the state on Saturday. Downpour may continue till Monday. The department said 50-75% meteorological stations will get rain on Tuesday, August 21.
Modi takes stock of situation, RaGa directs cadres to help
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala to take stock of the situation. However, he couldn't conduct an aerial survey because of heavy rains. He will speak to the CM before leaving for Delhi. Meanwhile, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has also asked Congress cadres to mobilize resources in the flood-hit state. Punjab CM Amarinder Singh contributed Rs. 10 crore for the state's relief aid.
Kerala needs you: Here's how you can help
CM Vijayan said at this point nothing can help more than money. You too can help our own stuck in God's own country. You may visit donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in, and follow instructions for the donations. Or mail a cheque/DD to The Principal Secretary (Finance) Treasurer, Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund, Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram - 695001. Contributions can be sent through Paytm, Tez etc., too.
