Over 300 people have died in Kerala - more than 100 of them in the last 36 hours - as torrential rain continues to batter the state. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Kerala this evening. The military has pushed in more than 200 boats. Another four aircraft and three Coast Guard ships have also been brought in to rescue people marooned in areas cut off by vast stretches of water.
All districts apart from Kasargod are under red alert, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said. "Heavy rains may affect these 13 districts. Everyone please be cautious," the tweet from his official handle read. The only district not under alert is Kasaragod. Idukki district is the worst affected.
The Supreme Court has asked Kerala and Tamil Nadu to work out on the possibility of reducing the water level at the Mullaperiyar dam by three feet.
Here are the updates on the Kerala flood and rain situation:
Aug 17, 2018 18:08 (IST)
Over 300 people have lost lives in Kerala, ever since floods hit the southern state, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said today.
Aug 17, 2018 14:44 (IST)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to land in Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram by 9 pm today and will be staying at the Raj Bhavan. He will take an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas on Saturday.
Aug 17, 2018 14:23 (IST)
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told the media today that the situation continues to be grave. "The only good news is that rains have come down in certain areas of the state and we are planning to rescue all those who are waiting preferably by the end of this day."
Aug 17, 2018 14:10 (IST)
The Supreme Court today asked the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and a sub-committee set up by Kerala to deal with the flood situation in the state to coordinate and explore the possibility of reducing the water level at the Mullaperiyar Dam by three feet.
Aug 17, 2018 13:22 (IST)
The Kerala government has requested for 600 motorised boats, the defence ministry said. the Indian Navy and Voast Guard will provide around 450 boats, it said, adding that the remaining boats will be taken on rent and provided by armed forces.
Aug 17, 2018 13:00 (IST)
The Supreme Court today asked the sub-committee to examine and find ways out and if possible to ensure that the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam won't cross 139 feet, news agency ANI reported.
Aug 17, 2018 12:59 (IST)
More boats have been deployed in Chalakudy, Chengannur and Pathanamthitta areas. Two helicopters each were deployed in Chengannur and Pathanamthitta for rescue operations as it is difficult to carry rescue operations in boats.
