Massive floods in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra claim over 100 lives
Over 100 people have lost their lives as heavy rains continue to batter the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra. Lakhs of people have been affected in the massive floods in all three states while landslides and flooding continue to affect roadways, train services, and air travels. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted rainfall might slowdown from Sunday. Here are more details.
Kerala recorded 60 deaths in the past 3 days in rain-related incidents. The death toll is expected to rise as 63 are reportedly feared trapped in the massive Thursday landslide in Malappuram. A red alert was sounded for Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod districts for Sunday. An orange alert has been issued in six other districts. Nearly 1.66 lakh people were shifted to relief camps.
Kochi's CIAL Airport resumed operations from 12 pm after a 48-hour shut down due to damage sustained by the tarmac. On the other hand, train services were also affected as many trains were fully or partially canceled or diverted. Flooding and landslides also affected roadways.
In Karnataka, the death toll rose to 31 after four were killed in rain-related incidents last night. Reportedly, over 3.14 lakh people have been displaced and 2.18 lakh have been shifted to relief camps. CM BS Yediyurappa has estimated losses at Rs. 6,000cr as 21,431 houses and crops in 4.16 lakh hectares were damaged. All schools/colleges in flood-hit districts are shut till August 15.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will conduct an aerial survey in the worst-hit Belagavi district along with Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had conducted an aerial survey of the districts of Belagavi and Bagalkote on Saturday.
Over four lakh people have been displaced in the massive Maharashtra floods, which have claimed 30 lives. Despite ongoing rescue operations over the past week, many remain stranded in the worst-hit Kolhapur district. Over 300 medical teams are working in Sangli, Kolhapur, and Satara. More than 200 roads and 94 bridges were shut due to landslides and flooding. Mumbai-Bengaluru highway also remains closed.
CM Devendra Fadnavis explained, "During the 2005 floods, Sangli had received 217% rainfall in a month's time, while there was 758% rainfall in just nine days now. In Kolhapur, there was 159% rainfall in 2005, while it was 480% in nine days this time."
