Kerala: Center approves Rs. 80cr aid to deal with floods
(Sourced from PTI)
"The Center has sanctioned Rs. 80 crore to Kerala as initial assistance to deal with "unprecedented rains and floods," Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said today. A central government team headed by Rijiju and accompanied by Union Tourism Minister Alphons Kannanthanam arrived in Kochi this morning. The team will visit the rain-affected districts, including Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam.
Rijiju said the Center and the state would work together to deal with the situation. He said damages caused due to flooding was being calculated. "We will extend whatever possible help from the Government of India because Kerala has witnessed unprecedented rains and floods. We are with the people of Kerala and the central government will do whatever is required," he said.
Meanwhile, a defense spokesperson said the Southern Naval Command (SNC) has sent five teams to Alappuzha district to assist the civil administration in disaster relief. The teams were dispatched after a request by CM Pinarayi Vijayan in view of widespread inundation and waterlogging in Kerala. Each team comprises five members and is equipped with inflatable Gemini boats and other equipment including diving sets.
The SNC is ready to offer assistance with food and medical services if required by the administration, the spokesperson added. The toll in rain-related incidents in Kerala has gone up to 41 since the onset of monsoon on May 29. As many as 1.18L people have taken refuge in 606 relief camps across Kerala, as rains continued to batter several parts of the state.
