Sunday 19 August 2018

Kerala floods : Death toll rises to 370, rescue ops intensified

Kerala floods claimed 33 lives Saturday and at least 13 more today, increasing the overall death toll to 370. More than 7.8 lakh people are in relief camps, 8000 houses have been washed away and around 26,000 are partly damaged. Many areas in Kerala continue to receive heavy downpour, hampering rescue work.

A child being airlifted by an Indian Navy helicopter during rescue operations in Kerala floods, in Kochi. Photo: AFP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi carried out an aerial survey of the Kerala floods—the worst in a century—and announced a ₹ 500 crore relief package. More help has also started pouring in. Air India’s Alliance Air will from Monday operate several flights from the Kochi naval base. Operations are suspended at the Kochi airport due to Kerala floods.

The India Meteorological Department, meanwhile, said the rainfall intensity in the state will reduce in the next 2-3 days. Officials, for their part, said that all the marooned people are likely to be rescued in the next 24 hours.

(Source: Live Mint)

No comments:

Post a Comment