PM Modi reviews situation in flood-hit Kerala; announces Rs 500 cr interim assistance
More than 300 people have died in rain-related incidents in Kerala, even as defence forces scaled up operations to rescue those stranded in worst-hit areas.
More than 300 people have died in rain-related incidents in Kerala, even as defence forces scaled up operations to rescue those stranded in worst-hit areas.
Kerala has been witnessing incessant rainfall over the last few days, causing unprecedented flooding and landslides in several parts of the state. So far, 324 people have lost their lives in the state due to flood, according to a tweet by the Chief Minister Office (CMO) of Kerala.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the flood situation at a high-level meeting in Kochi and also conducted an aerial survey of flood-affectedd areas.
"The prime minister is reviewing the flood situation in Kerala at a high-level meeting. @CMOKerala," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) tweeted.
Modi also announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh per person to the next kin of the deceased and Rs.50,000 to those seriously injured, from PM’s National Relief Funds (PMNRF)
Several people are stranded in buildings in various districts. Many of them, including children, were rescued from various waterlogged areas.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had yesterday said 23 more helicopters will join the rescue operations today and 200 additional boats will also be pressed into service.
Army, Navy, Air Force and NDRF personnel have begun rescuing people stranded in the worst affected areas of Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta and Thrissur districts from this morning.
â–º The operations at the Kochi International Airport will remain suspended till August 26, with runways being flooded.
â–º Over 25 trains were either cancelled or rescheduled in Kerala. Kochi Metro operations have not been affected so far, sources said.
â–º Chengannur MLA pleads PM for helicopters, says 50,000 will die. He pleaded that 50 people were lying dead in his constituency and that more would perish help didn’t arrive soon.
â–º Kerala Floods: Indian Army constructs 13 temporary bridges
Your help no matter how small will be a step to restore normalcy. Donate to:
Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund
NO: 67319948232Bank: State Bank of India IFSC : SBIN0070028SWIFT CODE: SBININBBT08
LATEST UPDATES
â–º The State Bank of India (SBI) has donated Rs 2 crore to Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) and announced waiver of fees and charges on services offered by the bank in Kerala. (ANI)
After review meeting, Modi has announced Rs 500 crore as interim assistance. Earlier, the Central government had sanctioned Rs 100 crore
â–º Meanwhile, the red alert in all districts except Ernakulam and Idukki have been withdrawn. The situation is getting better in Chalakudy. The water level at Chalakudy River has reduced following a break in rainfall. Flood waters have started receding from Chalakudy town. The town and Muringoor overbridge were submerged in flood water.
â–º PM Modi conducts an aerial survey, announces ex-gratia
Modi was accompanied by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor P Sathasivam and Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons
â–º Prime Minister reviewing the flood situation in Kerala at a high-level meeting
â–º Modi's aerial survey cancelled due to bad weather
â–º Rescuers battle treacherous conditions to rescue animals
With Kerala facing its worst floods and landslides in nearly a century, an animal charity body said today its rescuers were battling treacherous conditions to rescue and rehabilitate stranded and abandoned animals. (PTI)
DGCA asks airlines to add more flights, cap airfare: To avoid any inconvenience in travelling, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked scheduled domestic airlines to mount additional flights to Kerala after the closure of the Cochin airport. (ANI)
PM Narendra Modi leaves from Thiruvananthapuram for an aerial survey of flood-affected areas of Kochi
So far
â–º A pregnant lady rescued by Indian Navy gives birth
â–º Telangana Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has announced immediate financial help of Rs 25 crore for flood-hit Kerala.
â–º Kerala floods: As the flood situation continued to remain appalling all across Kerala, Indian Navy deployed 18 more teams at various locations to augment the rescue operations in the state.
â–º Local fishermen have also joined the rescue mission bringing in their boats to help in evacuation of the stranded people in various places in Aluva, Kalady, Perumbavoor, Muvattupuzha and Chalakudy.
â–º Andhra Pradesh government announced a financial assistance of Rs 10 crore to rain-ravaged Kerala.
â–º Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has announced Rs 10 crore immediate relief
â–º Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced Rs 10 crore relief for flood-ravaged Kerala
â–º Private sector lender ICICI Bank said it has waived off late payment penalties for all retail customers in Kerala this month as well as contributing Rs 10 crore towards flood relief to the state that's facing worst rain havoc in a century.