Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday confirmed 33 deaths and six missing in Kerala floods.
Vijayan said, “33 people have died in the floods and six are missing. Such destruction has never before been witnessed in the state. The entire state has come together in these circumstances, and we are ready to do whatever is necessary.”
The chief minister further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also extended his help if needed to tackle the situation.
“State Police, NDRF, Army and other forces are working with the same motive – to help the people of the state. The PM called us and said that any more help needed, will be provided to us,” he added.
Meanwhile, over 1000 people including elderly women and children have been rescued in areas where the Indian Army’s ten columns comprising more than 40 composite teams are working round the clock to ensure that the last person stranded in the floods is rescued.
Flash floods due to incessant rains have wreaked havoc in several districts of the state. From past few days, normal life in many parts has been disrupted. The areas which were worst hit are Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Idukki and Mallapuram.
The Indian Army assured in its release, “The troops of the Defence Security Corps Centre and the Bison Division are operating continuously to help and rescue civil population from these inundated areas.”
According to the release, “In addition to the composite teams, there are more than three Engineers Task Force including more than 100 personnel of the Indian Army who is establishing temporary bridges on washed away roads, removing debris and using Assault Boats to traverse the inundated areas in the rescue missions.” Also, the connectivity to Virinjapara in Mankulam area of Idukki district has been restored by the Army after a concrete bridge connecting the village had washed away two days back. Over 800 families are residing in the village. In addition to the evacuation of villagers, stranded tourists and establishment of connectivity, the relief operation by the Army from Pangode Military Station includes distribution of medicine and food in the relief camp at Adimali in Idukki district.
The entire flood relief operations of the Army in Kerala is coordinated by the Indian Army’s Karnataka and Kerala Sub-Area, headquartered at Bangalore.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday described the situation in the flood-affected areas of Kerala as “very serious” and assured the state of all possible help from the Centre.
Singh, who arrived here on Sunday afternoon, made the statement after an aerial survey of Idukki and Ernakulam districts. He was accompanied by Union Tourism Minister K.J. Alphons and the chief minister. “The situation is very serious in Kerala. The Centre will extend all necessary support to the state in all respects,” Rajnath Singh told the inmates of a relief camp near Kochi.
Vijayan said the affected persons need not worry as the state government will do everything to ensure them relief.
“Every loss that has been suffered will be addressed, including loss of houses, other properties and crops. Once you return to your homes, you will face a lot of problems. Necessary steps will be taken to clean up your homes,” he said. On the other hand, officials in Ernakulam and Thrissur said on Sunday that the flood situation was under control even as parts of both districts still remained submerged. (Agencies)
