Kerala floods: Modi announces Rs. 500cr relief, aerial survey underway
After failing to undertake a preliminary aerial survey to assess the situation in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a high-level meeting, announced an interim relief of Rs. 500cr for the flood-hit state. However, Kerala wants more relief funds from the Centre. Meanwhile, Modi's second attempt at an aerial survey is reportedly underway and the PM is in the air. Here's more.
WATCH: PM Modi undertakes aerial survey of Kerala
Kerala wants more funds, more help
Although the Rs. 500cr allocation for Kerala comes as a relief, the state wants more funds. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has sought Rs. 2,500cr as emergency relief, saying that Kerala has already suffered losses of Rs. 25,000cr. Meanwhile, Congress leader PC Chacko has called for more help from the Centre, and Congress chief Rahul Gandhi has demanded the floods be declared a national emergency.
Rahul Gandhi's appeal to PM Modi
Modi's aerial survey to cover Kochi, Idukki
Meanwhile, PM Modi's ongoing aerial survey is set to cover the capital city of Kochi, and the district of Idukki, which is one of the worst-hit areas in the state. Modi's earlier attempt at an aerial survey had to be called off owing to heavy rains and bad weather in Kochi, but the skies seem to have cleared by now.
Context: Since August 8, torrential rains have wreaked havoc
Kerala's woes started from August 8 when rains intensified, and continuous torrential rains pushed the state towards disaster. Air, rail, and road transport has been severely hit, and Kochi, Munnar, etc., have been cut off from the rest of the state. In districts like Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta, roads and houses have been completely submerged. Water has also started entering relief camps.
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.
