RaGa seeks Modi's aid as Kerala floods claim 32 lives
Amid the devastating floods in the southern state of Kerala, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a phone call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his aid in the situation. Gandhi, who represents the Wayanad constituency in the Lok Sabha, said that the PM assured him that the Centre would extend help to the State authorities to deal with the floods. Here are more details.
'Spoke to PM seeking all possible assistance': Gandhi
Gandhi's Wayanad office tweeted Friday, "Wayanad MP @RahulGandhi spoke to the Prime Minister seeking all possible assistance for the people severely affected by the floods and landslides in the state, especially in Wayanad." The state has witnessed nearly 24 landslides, mostly in Kozhikode and Wayanad. The tweet added, "The PM has assured to provide any assistance required to mitigate the effects of the disaster."
Gandhi also spoke to Kerala CM amid disaster
Gandhi also said that he has spoken the Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Collectors of Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram, to deal with the disaster. In another tweet, Gandhi stated he was to travel to Wayanad, but was advised against it by officials as his presence could disrupt rescue operations. He added that the people of Wayanad were in his thoughts and prayers.
Here's Gandhi speaking to reporters on Kerala floods
Red-alert in 9 districts; orange in 3; yellow in 2
Vijayan tweeted on Friday, "Heavy rain has increased across most parts of the State." He added, "Red alert has been issued for 9 districts in North and Central Kerala, 3 districts in Central Kerala are under Orange alert and remaining 2 southern districts are issued yellow alert." The CM had held an emergency meeting to tackle the disaster on Friday morning.
Bhoothanam and Kavalappara also witnessed major landslides
Additionally, major landslides occurred in Bhoothanam and Kavalappara on Friday. Reportedly, over 80 people are feared trapped in the Bhoothanam landslide as the tragedy destroyed 30 houses. The frequent landslides in the region are also causing a hindrance to rescue operations.
32 dead in Kerala floods; Meppadi landslide claimed 6 lives
Kerala was only recovering from the last year's floods, termed the worst-ever disaster it has witnessed when the recent tragedy hit. On Thursday, four people reportedly died in rain-related incidents, taking the death toll to 32. All schools and educational institutions have been shut as most rivers are in spate. A landslide in Wayanad's Meppadi last night claimed six lives.
315 relief camps opened to shelter 22,165 people
As of Friday morning, 315 flood relief camps were opened across Kerala, with the most in Wayanad (105). In Wayanad alone, 16 relief camps were opened, housing 2,300 people. Across Kerala, the camps provide shelter to 22,165 displaced persons from 5,936 families, the CMO stated. The CMO also stated that they've requested more NDRF teams to be sent to the state for rescue operations.
