Rahul Gandhi had tweeted repeatedly to express solidarity with the people of Kerala. (File)
After a series of tweets and several requests to the centre to help Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi will finally visit the flood-ravaged state on Tuesday. Mr Gandhi, fresh from his four-day visit to Europe, announced on Twitter that he will visit flood-hit areas, relief camps and meet volunteers and fishermen - the "biggest heroes" - who worked selflessly to help those in need.
Over 300 people lost their lives and several lakhs had to move to relief camps after the merciless rain, worst in a century, flooded the coastal state. As the whole country and friends from across the world came together to help Kerala, the state has started taking baby steps to recovery.
His party colleagues say that Mr Gandhi will fly to Thiruvananthapuram and go to some of the areas -- Chengannur, Alappuzha and Angamaly -- worst hit by the floods.
As the rising water levels threatened the state's existence, Rahul Gandhi requested all to express solidarity with the people of Kerala.
On August 18, he requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare Kerala floods a national disaster.
"This is a difficult time for the people of Kerala. In relief camps and homes across the state, people are grieving for their loved ones. On this Onam let us pledge to put aside our differences, stand united together and focus on the task of rebuilding Kerala," he tweeted on Saturday.
The Congress chief asked his party workers in the rain-battered state to help in rescue operations.
"This is the time for our workers & leaders to demonstrate the core Congress values of service & love. Please focus all our resources and people to help those in need," he had said.
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an immediate aid of Rs 500 crore for the state, Mr Gandhi said it was a "good step" but "nowhere near enough". He called for the floods to be declared as a "national disaster".
"Please declare Kerala floods a national disaster without any delay. The lives, livelihood and future of millions of our people are at stake. Please do not vacillate as the people of Kerala are suffering," he said.
As he encouraged the people of the country to contribute generously to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund, he declared that all elected representatives of his party would donate a month's salary towards relief efforts.
The floods in Kerala have caused widespread devastation in the state, which has begun assessing the damage and the initial loss is pegged at over Rs 20,000 crore.