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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's is has surveyed flood-hit Kerala .The state is witnessing one of the most savage monsoon in over a century. An immediate relief of Rs 500 crore has been announced for Kerala.Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said over 324 people have been killed in the last nine days and over 2 lakh people have been displaced. Till now, 42 Navy, 16 Army, 28 Coast Guard and 39 National Disaster Relief Force teams were engaged in rescue operations. Another 14 NDRF teams are expected to reach shortly. Earlier Home Minister Rajnath Singh had undertaken and aerial survey of the flood-ravaged state and the centre had extend a Rs100 crore package.
Flood water from the Periyar river and its tributaries has submerged many towns in Ernakulam and Thrissur. An emergency situation has developed in Alapuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta districts, where roads have become completely submerged. Thousands of people are still perched on trees and rooftops, waiting to be rescued. Telecom operators had announced free calls and data, extension in bill payment due dates and other relief measures for subscribers in Kerala. "To help you stay in touch with your loved ones and remain connected, we are extending a complimentary 7 days unlimited voice & data pack to you," Jio said in a message sent to customers.
Here are the updates on the Kerala flood situation:
At least 164 people have died since August 8 and 33 people died in on Saturday, state government said today.
PM Modi this evening thanked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) prime minister and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for supporting the southern state hit by floods.
A big thanks to @hhshkmohd for his gracious offer to support people of Kerala during this difficult time. His concern reflects the special ties between governments and people of India and UAE.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018
Over 20,000 Have Been Saved So Far, Says Defence Minister
Update on #KeralaFloodRelief efforts:
- Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) August 18, 2018
In coordination with @NDRFHQ & state admin, Indian Armed Forces are also efficiently providing food, medical aid, connectivity and fresh water to affected areas & relief camps.
Approx 20000 lives have been saved as on date.@nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/XFTCdnEdoU
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Addressed A Press Conference This Evening
Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that relief material will be transported for free to the state.
We are concerned about the well being of people affected by Kerala floods & the Central Govt. is committed to providing all possible help. Railways will now provide free transportation of relief material for Kerala through various State Govt. agencies, PSUs & other Govt. agencies
- Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) August 18, 2018
As civilian airport remains flooded in Kerala, Naval airstrip in Kochi will be used for commercial flights from Monday, news agency PTI reported.
All mobile operators have offered free SMS and data services in Kerala, says Centre, reports news agency PTI
The NDRF said today that it has launched biggest ever rescue operation in the flood-ravaged state. Read here.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has call off his proposed trip to the US for medical treatment, an official said on Saturday. Mr Vijayan was scheduled to leave for Mayo Clinic in the USA on Sunday, news agency IANS reported.
Since May 29, rains and floods and have claimed over 300 lives in the state, and over 3.53 lakh people are living in over 2,000 relief camps.
Stand Firm With Kerala, Tweets Devendra Fadnavis
As support continues to pour in from across the country, Maharashtra announced a donation of Rs 10 crore for Kerala. Devendra Fadnavis urged people to "contribute in all possible ways".
As support continues to pour in from across the country, Maharashtra announced a donation of Rs 10 crore for Kerala. Devendra Fadnavis urged people to "contribute in all possible ways".
CM @Dev_Fadnavis appeals everyone to come forward and stand firm with citizens of Kerala and contribute in all possible ways to help our fellow citizens. #KeralaFloods
- CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) August 18, 2018
In the Nagapattinam district, special prayers were conducted today at the famous Shrine Basilica at Velankanni in the district for the flood-ravaged state. Popularly known as the "Lourdes of the East", the Shrine Basilica, dedicated to the Lady of Good Health, is an important pilgrimage centre for Christians from Kerala, news agency PTI reported.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an aid of Rs 15 crore for the flood victims in Kerala. 
Gujarat Announces Rs 10 Crore Aid For Flood-Hit Kerala
The Gujarat government today announced financial aid of Rs 10 crore for Kerala. Over 3 lakh people have been moved to relief camps and a tweet from Pinarayi Vijayan said that the loss from the floods, as per initial estimates, was Rs 19,512 crore, news agency PTI reported.
The Defence Ministry has tweeted details of the material and equipment crucial for rescue and relief operations in Kerala, which have been deployed in the flood hit state.
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5 crore as immediate assistance from Maharashtra Government for Kerala
With 324 dead and more than three lakh people shifted to relief camps, in what is the worst floods in Kerala in a century, an unprecedented rescue and relief operation is being led by the three services along with teams of the National Disaster Response Force or NDRF, involving nearly 1,300 personnel.
Humbled to share how @Khalsa_Aid has come forward to help flood victims in Kerala
- Manjinder S Sirsa (@mssirsa) August 18, 2018
Let us all share their goodness & Donate funds for Kerala Flood Relief 🙏🏻 #IndiaForKerala #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/capDgZiasU
Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Air India will operate a 'proving flight' to Kochi's naval base today to study the safety aspects of operating ATR-type aircraft from there, a spokesperson of the national carrier said.
Air India is trying to find a way to fly in and out of Kochi where the airport has been closed down till August 26 leaving thousands of passengers stranded, the spokesperson said.
Appeal for helicopters:
Saji Cherian, who represents Chengannur in the Kerala assembly, said he feared there were at least 50 dead in the town and broke down in tears as he pleaded for more help on Asianet TV late Friday. "Please give us a helicopter. I am begging you. Please help me, people in my place will die. Please help us. There is no other solution, people have to be airlifted," he said.
Indian ambassador to UAE Navdeep Suri said he would chair a meeting on Sunday with major community organisations, activists and business leaders to coordinate relief support from UAE. He also appealed to people to contribute generously towards the Kerala relief effort
In August, till 16th actual rainfall was 619.5mm, normally it should have been 244.1 mm. The intensity of rainfall has decreased now there won't be extremely heavy rains anymore but heavy rains will continue for 2 days: Dr. S Devi of met office as quoted by ANI
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted that AAP lawmakers and ministers would donate their month's salary to Kerala relief effort.
All AAP MLAs, MPs and ministers donating one month salary for Kerala
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 18, 2018
The Defence Ministry has tweeted the deployment details of aircraft for rescue work in flood-hit Kerala.
Special aircraft of Indian Army reaches Thiruvananthapuram with food and basic amenities for flood affected areas.
Bihar government has announced a contribution of ten crore towards the Kerala relief fund
Even when they are offline, people in Kerala can use their Android smartphones or tablets to generate and share the plus code of their exact location, which can pinpoint their whereabouts and make it easier for rescue workers to reach them, Google said on Saturday. Users can share their plus codes over a voice call or an SMS.
Plus codes work just like street addresses. When an address is not available, one can use a plus code to find or share a place on Google Maps. Read here.
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said he thanked PM Modi and demanded more helicopters and boats for the rescue effort.
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has expressed sadness over the flooding and extensive damage and displacement caused in rain-battered Kerala. UN Secretary-Generals spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said they had not received any direct request from the Indian Government for aid.
Expressing concern over the Kerala floods, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has "pressed in to assisting rescue ops an Odisha contingent of 245 fire personnel, led by the Chief Fire Officer. Trained and experienced in flood rescue, the team is carrying 75 boats and other necessities.
Kerala Floods: State Bank of India Donates 2 Crores To Flood-Hit Kerala, Waivers Fee On ServicesThe State Bank of India (SBI) has donated Rs 2 crore for the Kerala flood victims and initiated several other ground-level measures in the deluged state, an official said on Saturday."
"Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has actively been monitoring the situation and rescue efforts in the state, said last evening. You can donate to Kerala relief effort by clicking this link.
We have been getting enough relief and rescue help, there is no doubt that we are in need of more help, but let us be positive. I request journalists to also look at rescue with a positive outlook. We should not be negative at this point. We are hopeful: Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan
Attorney General KK Venugopal has donated Rs 1 crore to the Kerala chief minister's relief fund. Mr Venugopal is from Cannore in Kerala. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had personally written to the AG for his help. Mr Venugopal said the amount he donated is just a small drop in the ocean.
Railway update:
A passenger special train, operating from Ernakulam Jn(08:00 hrs) via Alappuzha will connect passengers from Kollam Jn by 16724 Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai egmore Ananthapuri express.
A passenger special will start from Thiruvananthapuram central at 11:30 hrs towards Ernakulam Jn via Alappuzha, On arrival at Ernakulam Jn it will operate as a special express towards Chennai egmore via Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram- Nagercoil town-Tirunelveli-Madurai
An Express Special will start from Thiruvananthapuram central at 17:00 hrs and run via Nagercoil, Tirunelveli, Chennai Egmore, Gudur to Howrah. Reservation available for this train
Train No 12625 Thiruvananthapuram-New Delhi Kerala express leaving Thiruvananthapuram central at 11.15hrs will run via Nagercoil town-Tirunelveli-Madurai-Dindigul-Erode
PM Modi's tweets on Kerala
I salute the people of Kerala for their fighting spirit. I compliment the authorities for their efforts in this adverse situation
NDRF teams, companies of BSF, CISF and RAF are deployed in the state for rescue and relief operations
Centre is providing all possible assistance to Kerala. This includes financial assistance, providing food grains and medicines
My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their lives due to incessant flooding across Kerala
The National Highway Authority Of India has been directed by PM Modi to repair the main national highways damaged due to the floods on a priority basis. The central public sector undertaking like the NTPC and the PGCIL have been asked to render all possible assistance to the state government in restoring power lines
Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced an aid of Rs 10 crores for flood-hit Kerala. Punjab and Delhi had announced aid earlier
Insurance companies were also directed to hold special camps for assessment and timely release of compensation to the affected families and beneficiaries under social security schemes. Villagers, whose houses have been destroyed in the floods, would be provided Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin houses on priority.
In Kerala, I took stock of the situation arising in the wake of the devastating floods across the state. Joined a review meeting and undertook an aerial survey to assess the damage caused by flooding. The nation stands firmly with Kerala in this hour: PM Modi tweeted
The Odisha government on Saturday sent a 240-member fire services team to carry out rescue operations in flood-ravaged Kerala. The team along with 75 power boats was airlifted by the Indian Air Force from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar
"Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has actively been monitoring the situation and rescue efforts in the state, said last evening.
"The area has been completely flooded. I have lost almost everything I had. The water level is increasing with every passing hour", a resident of Kollakadavu village said. 
The State Bank of India (SBI) has donated Rs 2 crore for the Kerala flood victims and initiated several other ground-level measures in the deluged state, an official said on Saturday.The SBI has encouraged all its 270,000 staffers to contribute to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), and the bank would contribute an equivalent amount.
#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducts an aerial survey of flood affected areas. PM has 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). #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/T6FYNVLmMu
- ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018
Congress president Rahul Gandhi has asked PM Modi to declare Kerala floods a national emergency without any delay. On the other hand Arvind Kejriwal has called an emergency meeting to discuss Kerala floods today
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accompanied by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor P. Sathasivam and Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons
Rs 500 crore worth of immediate relief announced for flood-hit Kerala.
Kerala, Rained Out And Homeless, Needs Help. What You Can Do.
Kerala Floods: "Kerala Part Of Our Success Story", Says UAE, Offers Help To Flood-Hit StateKerala, facing one of the worst floods in a century, has been offered help by the United Arab Emirates. The UAE is to form a committee to help flood-hit areas of the state, a report said."
State highway to Idukki city from Kumily is blocked due to landslide, clearance operation underway
PM Modi chairs a meeting in Kochi with CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister KJ Alphons and other officials
Prime Minister Narendra Modi's aerial survey of flood-hit Kerala cancelled due to bad weather: Sources. He had left Thiruvananthapuram for Kochi about an hour and a half ago.
The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected, especially during this holy and blessed days: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum tweeted
PM Surveys Flood-Battered Kerala; 324 Dead, Over 3 Lakh Displaced: 10 Facts. Read Here
United Arab Emirates will form a committee to help flood-hit areas of Kerala. Sheikh Khalifa, the Emir of Abu Dhabi, has instructed the formation of a national emergency committee to provide assistance to the people in Kerala.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday took off in a helicopter from here to survey the massive loss and destruction triggered by the torrential rains in Kerala. Overflowing rivers and a series of landslides have resulted in the death of 180 people as of Saturday morning, with over 3 lakh others forced to move to some 2,000 relief camps.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Kochi, where he will take stock of the flood situation across Kerala. "Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps," read a tweet from the Chief Minister's Office. Till now, 42 Navy, 16 Army, 28 Coast Guard and 39 National Disaster Relief Force teams were engaged in rescue operations. Another 14 NDRF teams are expected to reach shortly. The military has pushed in more than 200 boats. Another four aircraft and three Coast Guard ships have also been brought in.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Kochi. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/188CsnTZ3L
- ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018
Many states have come forward to help Kerala. Punjab, Maharashtra and Telanganam have offered packed food.
Mamata Banerjee on Kerala flood: Words alone are not enough. Yet I must tell all my brothers and sisters of Kerala that our thoughts and prayers are with each one of you. Condolences to those families who have lost their loved ones. Strength to those who are fighting the
You can also donate to the Kerala Chief Minister Distress relief fund. Details below:
NO: 67319948232
Bank: State Bank of India
IFSC : SBIN0070028
SWIFT CODE : SBININBBT08
#WATCH Navy delivers relief material to stranded people in a flooded area of Kochi. #Keralafloods pic.twitter.com/dC8Lp78e8q
- ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018
PM Modi leaves from Thiruvananthapuram for an aerial survey of flood-affected areas of Kochi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his way to Kochi
Teiangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has announced Rs 25 crores of immediate financial help to the rain-hit state. He has also asked for water purifying machines worth Rs 2.5 crores to be sent to Kerala.
PM @narendramodi reached Kerala a short while ago.
- PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 17, 2018
Governor Shri Sathasivam, CM Shri Vijayan, Union Minister @alphonstourism and other dignitaries welcomed the Prime Minister at the airport. @CMOKerala pic.twitter.com/x10nKKqKSe
Kerala Rains: PM Modi To Visit Flood-Hit Kerala Today, Nearly 100 DeadPrime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Kerala and undertake an aerial survey of the flood ravaged areas on Saturday, Union Minister K J Alphons yesterday said."
