At least 10 lakh people are currently taking shelter at relief camps across Kerala, which has been ravaged by floods following torrential rains in the state. Kerala Agriculture Minister Sunil Kumar said that at least 50,000 houses are either fully or partially damaged by the floods and landslides witnessed across the state.
Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years as water from 80 dams were released, leaving 13 of the 14 districts submerged. Sudden release of excess waters from Mullaperiyar dam by Tamil Nadu was also reasoned as one of the reasons for the floods. On Thursday, Kerala told Supreme Court that the release caused an overload in the Idukki reservoir, which was forced to open all five gates - a development that took place for only third time in history - to control the water level .
The Centre said Rs. 600 crore released two days ago to flood-hit Kerala was only the advance assistance and additional funds would be released when an inter-ministerial team visits the state again and assesses the damage.
Here are the updates on relief work in flood-hit Kerala:
The Kerala unit of BJP today demanded that Chief Minster Pinarayi Vijayan reveal the source about who told him about the UAE offer of USD 100 million or Rs 700 crore for Kerala relief. The statement comes amid a political tussle between centre and state over accepting foreign aid for the flood-hit state. Read here
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- CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 24, 2018
- Airlifting being done because so many villages are isolated. Boats could not reach the villages, air operations are thus still on.
- People not being lifted because they are safe, water level is not coming up but there is a shortage of food and medicines.
- Aerial operation is dropping food and water to the areas.
- There are more than 2 lakh people in Thrissur relief camps.
- More than 42 villages are under water.
- Military already deployed to rescue people from isolated areas and more rescue camps are required in Thrissur and we are working towards it
- Food supplies, medicines are being provided. A lot of help is coming from all over the country. The main problem is the camps are completely isolated. Water is almost 7 feet high and thus we could not reach there. So we moved to areas with 5-5 and half feet water so that the people could be moved there. This is the current operation we are working on.
- The amount is very less as total losses are more than 20,000 crore. As per law, government should provide 1200 crores for natural disaster. So 500 crores is a very small amount. We are asking for 2000 crores... But government is helping and supporting with military.
"Let's celebrate this Onam by bringing help to those among us who are suffering. More than a million of our people are in relief camps. We have together survived the worst disaster in our State's history. Let us also set an example in rebuilding efforts."
Kerala Floods: This Army Major "On Leave" Saved Hundreds Of PeopleMajor Hemant Raj from the Indian Army's 28 Madras Sapth Shakti Command loves action, even when on leave. His visuals have gone viral where he is shown organising tonnes of relief material in Chengannur, Kerala."
#Update #KeralaFloods2018.Team led by Sub Maj Darwan Singh of #SudarshanChakra provided relief material to places that have hitherto not been reached. This included Pattnamthitta Distt where 350 persons were stranded without food & water for 4 days. We are at it. #OpMadad pic.twitter.com/WXCWw8yT8N
- ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 24, 2018
