'Kerala is in great pain': Rahul Gandhi speaks to PM Modi, urges him to increase deployment of Army, Navy

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and urged him to increase deployment of Army and Navy in flood-hit Kerala.

Rains in the state have claimed at least 67 lives and a red alert has been sounded in 12 of the 14 districts. 

"Kerala is in great pain. I spoke to PM and requested him to massively increase deployment of the Army & Navy," said Rahul Gandhi in a tweet.

The Congress chief also said that it is critical that he gives the state special financial assistance as this is a tragedy without parallel in Kerala’s history.

Expressing concern over the flood situation in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter to make a fervent appeal to people for help by contributing to the chief minister's relief fund.

I am deeply concerned for the people of #Kerala tonight, as the flood waters rise. Thousands are stranded. Relief camps full. Many have lost their loved ones. It’s time to step up & help. Please contribute generously to the CM’s relief fund. Use this link: https://t.co/GNUlGQbBZv pic.twitter.com/Gm5QGifSms

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 15, 2018

Rise in flood waters in Periyar River due to the rains and opening of all shutters of all major dams including Mullaperiyar, Cheruthoni, part of Idukki reservoir, and Idamalayar, have severely affected lives of people in downstream areas.

Kochi Metro suspended operations this morning after flood waters entered the Muttom yard near Aluva and train services have been affected in various parts of the state with cancellation of many passenger trains and partial cancellation of some long distance train.

Prime Minster Narendra Modi today asked the Defence Ministry to further step up relief and rescue operations across Kerala which is facing a severe flood situation.

He also spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning.

"We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked the 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," the PM tweeted.

(With agency inputs)