Kerala hit by worst-ever flood, death toll rises to 72
What's the story
Kerala is witnessing its worst-ever flood- 72 people have lost their lives, operations have been suspended at Kochi Airport till August 18, and trains cancelled on the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil route. The Navy has deployed 21 companies for rescue operations. In Kalamassery and Ernakulam, power supplies may be cut soon and people have been asked to charge their phones, power banks etc. Here are the details.
Kochi
Kerala's commercial capital, Kochi, cut from state
Disrupted train services have cut Kochi from the rest of the state. Trains from Thiruvananthapuram were held at the central station. Road traffic was affected on NH 47. On the highway, thousands of vehicles were stranded as areas between Aluva and Chalakkudy submerged in deep waters. Metro services have been suspended until further notice, and the airport has been shut.
Other areas
People advised to go towards higher grounds
The situation in Ranni village of Pathanamthitta district is critical. Most of the area is submerged and people have been advised to go towards higher grounds. In Ernakulam, education institutes have been shut. Five Navy companies were sent to North Parvaur, and ten to Chalakkudy, to rescue people trapped in homes due to flooding in Periyar and Muvattupuzha rivers.
Rescue
21 teams are taking care of rescue operations
With the monsoon intensifying, the Southern Naval Command deployed 21 rescue and diving teams with Gemini boats in the state. On Wednesday, around 81 people were rescued and were provided food and shelter at a rescue camp. Defense Services Corps (DSC), NAD and the civil administration are working together to arrange food, logistics and first aid for the rescued people.
Support
Kerala CM asks help from PM, Tamil Nadu
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan called his Tamil Nadu counterpart asking him to release water from Mullaperiyar Dam that was close to breaching the 142-feet mark. He contacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking support. "Have asked Defense Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state," the PM tweeted.
Donations
Here's how you can help Kerala and flood victims
The Chief Ministers Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) is accepting donations through BHIM, Paytm, Tez, Phonepe etc. You can also send money through banks. The Beneficiary's Name is Principal Secretary (Fin), Treasurer CMDRF, SBI. The account number is 67319948232 and IFSC Code is SBIN0070028. A cheque or DD can be drawn in favor of Principal Secretary (Finance), Treasurer CMDRF, payable at Thiruvananthapuram.