At least 21 people have been killed in Kerala since Saturday night as a result of the heavy rains that triggered landslides in the districts of Idukki and Kottayam. 13 have been found dead in Kottayam, and eight in Idukki.
At least 12 people were reported missing in Kottayam. All 12 bodies have been recovered, as well as another body of someone who had not been reported missing.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level meeting to intensify the rescue efforts and said that all means will be used to evacuate people stranded in areas flooded due to heavy rain in the state, including Kottayam.
On the state government's request, the Army, Navy and Air Force have stepped in to help the civil administration handle the situation. The National Disaster Response Force has decided to deploy 11 teams. 33 people, including eight women and seven children, have been rescued so far.
Rain intensity in most parts of Kerala has reduced as of Sunday morning, however, there was continuous rain through Saturday night. No new instances of flooding yet.
Here are the Highlights on the Kerala Rain:
21 Killed In #KeralaRain, Armed Forces On Guard, Rescue Efforts On
- NDTV (@ndtv) October 17, 2021
NDTV's Sneha Mary Koshy reports
Read More: https://t.co/mmOSaPZ5NK pic.twitter.com/MNK2dXQ8OX
It is saddening that some people have lost their lives due to heavy rains and landslides in Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2021
PM Modi today spoke with Kerala Chief Minister about the floods in the state, saying "I pray for everyone's safety and well-being".
Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @vijayanpinarayi and discussed the situation in the wake of heavy rains and landslides in Kerala. Authorities are working on the ground to assist the injured and affected. I pray for everyone's safety and well-being.
- Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 17, 2021
There will be a significant reduction in rainfall in Kerala today as compared to Saturday, said Indian Meteorological Department senior scientist Naresh Kumar on Sunday.
There is going to be rainfall of a maximum of 6-7 cm today as compared to the 29 cm of rainfall recorded Saturday. And thereafter, there should be clear weather.
"Yesterday there was a low-pressure area over south-east Arabian sea adjoining Kerala. Today morning it is markedly less. It is weakened today. Because of its effect, yesterday there was extreme rainfall, more than 29 cm rainfall," said Mr Kumar.
"Presently, the situation is under control. If it rains heavily at night, it'll create problems. A total of 12 bodies recovered & postmortem is going on. Body of one person who wasn't on the list also recovered. No other missing persons reported," said Kottayam District Collector PK Jayasree, commenting on the status of recovering the 13 missing persons previously reported in the Kottayam district.
#UPDATE | Bodies of all missing people recovered in #Kottayam. Search and rescue operations continue, both in Idukki and Kottayam.
- NDTV (@ndtv) October 17, 2021
DEATH TOLL : 19
Kottayam : 13
Idukki: 06#KeralaFloods
The Central Meteorological Department has warned of thundershowers and strong winds across Kerala till today evening.
With 105 relief camps set up across the state amid heavy rainfall and landslides, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people in the state to remain cautious and prepare themselves to move to a relief camp, higher ground or safer localities if requested by government officials. He also advised against inessential travel.
In a statement issued by the Chief Minister's office Mr Vijayan said, "People should take precautions to avoid accidents. Follow the instructions of the authorities and shift if necessary. Avoid unnecessary trips."
#HADROps #KeralaFloods
- Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 17, 2021
Indian Air Force medium lift helicopters have been inducted for #floodrelief efforts in districts of #Kerala inundated due to heavy rains.#HarKaamDeshKeNaam pic.twitter.com/ZcwZRKyYZR
#Landslide | Here are 👇 some do's and don'ts you need to follow to stay safe and secure from a landslide!#Koottickal, #Kottayam#Kochi #KeralaRains pic.twitter.com/AOA7uB5oS2
- NDMA India | राष्ट्रीय आपदा प्रबंधन प्राधिकरण 🇮🇳 (@ndmaindia) October 17, 2021
#WATCH Indian Navy drops relief material at landslide-affected Koottickal in Kottayam district, Kerala
- ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2021
(Video source: Indian Navy) pic.twitter.com/JlH2srm4Zd
As more bodies are recovered, the deaths climb to 15, with 12 bodies being found in Kottayam, and 3 in Idukki.
A total of 33 people, including eight women and seven children, have been rescued so far, according to the National Disaster Response Force.
We are continuously monitoring the situation in parts of Kerala in the wake of heavy rainfall and flooding. The central govt will provide all possible support to help people in need. NDRF teams have already been sent to assist the rescue operations. Praying for everyone's safety.
- Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 17, 2021
#WATCH Restoration work underway following landslide due to heavy rains at Koottickal in Kottayam-Idukki border area, Kerala pic.twitter.com/JujgTAqwTS
- ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2021
Kerala | State ministers K Rajan, Roshy Augustine and VN Vasavan take part in review meeting to assess the situation arising due to heavy rains in the state, at Mundakkayam, Kottayam pic.twitter.com/soG4cpWRU8
- ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2021
Three more bodies have been recovered from Koottikkal in Kottayam district after heavy rains in the area triggered a landslide. There have been eight confirmed deaths so far, as a result of the Kerala flooding.
Kerala | Swollen Kallada river in Kollam district amid heavy rains in the region; Visuals from Enathu bridge at the border of Kollam-Pathanamthitta districts pic.twitter.com/tg3ipThv9S
- ANI (@ANI) October 17, 2021
Kerala Floods: Devotees Asked To Refrain From Visiting Sabarimala TempleTravancore Devaswom Board requested Lord Ayyappa devotees to refrain from visiting Sabarimala Temple on October 17 and 18 in view of the continuing heavy rainfall in the state.
