This Article is From Aug 19, 2018

Kerala Floods Updates: Over 20,000 People Have Been Rescued So Far, Says Defence Minister

Floods in Kerala killed more than 300 people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier undertaken an aerial survey of the flood-hit state.

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Kerala Floods: Over 3 lakh people in Kerala have been relocated to relief camps. (Reuters)

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: 


 

Aug 18, 2018 23:32 (IST)
At least 164 people have died since August 8 and 33 people died in on Saturday, state government said today. 
Aug 18, 2018 22:20 (IST)
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. 

Aug 18, 2018 22:14 (IST)
Over 20,000 Have Been Saved So Far, Says Defence Minister
Aug 18, 2018 22:12 (IST)
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Addressed A Press Conference This Evening
  .  
Aug 18, 2018 21:02 (IST)
Railways Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said that relief material will be transported for free to the state. 
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Aug 18, 2018 20:36 (IST)
As civilian airport remains flooded in Kerala, Naval airstrip in Kochi will be used for commercial flights from Monday, news agency PTI reported. 
Aug 18, 2018 20:12 (IST)
All mobile operators have offered free SMS and data services in Kerala, says Centre, reports news agency PTI
Aug 18, 2018 18:38 (IST)
The NDRF said today that it has launched biggest ever rescue operation in the flood-ravaged state. Read here
Aug 18, 2018 17:41 (IST)
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. 
Aug 18, 2018 17:15 (IST)
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. 
Aug 18, 2018 17:21 (IST)
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". 
Aug 18, 2018 17:15 (IST)
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. 
Aug 18, 2018 16:40 (IST)
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced an aid of Rs 15 crore for the flood victims in Kerala. 
Aug 18, 2018 16:26 (IST)
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. 
Aug 18, 2018 15:06 (IST)
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.

Aug 18, 2018 15:05 (IST)
Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced ₹5 crore as immediate assistance from Maharashtra Government for Kerala
Aug 18, 2018 14:59 (IST)




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. 
Aug 18, 2018 14:45 (IST)
Aug 18, 2018 14:34 (IST)
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.

Aug 18, 2018 14:18 (IST)
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.




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