AMN / Thiruvananthapuram
The death toll due to heavy rain and landslides has risen to 37 and five persons are still reported missing. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asked agencies involved in flood relief and rescue operations to be on keeping in mind the warning of heavy rain till Wednesday.
Fourteen teams of NDRF consisting of 404 rescuers and 31 boats are already deployed in Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Wayand, Kozhikode and Idukki districts to assist the State administration in the relief and rescue operations.
Besides the NDRF, adequate columns of Army, Navy and Coast Guard and Helicopters of Indian Air Force, are deployed in the State for assisting State administration in lifting and dropping of essential commodities.
Heavy rain is still continuing in Wayanad and Kannur districts.”According to latest data, over 61,000 people are still housed in 520 relief camps across the state. Around 100 houses were destroyed completely and 1501 partially .Crops in more than 1300 hectares were destroyed in the rain fury .Roads and bridges need to be reconstructed in many places.
Meanwhile, In view of possible inundation due to the release of water from Idukki and Idamalayar dam, NDRF teams are kept on standby in vulnerable locations.Besides the NDRF, adequate columns of Army, Navy and Coast Guard, Helicopters of Indian Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Fire Force are deployed in the State.
Meanwhile Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit the flood affected areas of Kerala today. He will be accompanied by Minister of State for Tourism KJ Alphons and senior Home Ministry officials. Mr Singh will take an Aerial survey of the flood and landslides affected areas of the state.