Kerala Rains Update: Death toll due to floods has risen to 167, confirms Pinarayi Vijayan

Heavy rains for the past one week has created a havoc in Kerala and the state is flooded with water all around. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has made an official statement that 167 people have died till now and more than 1.5 lakh people are in various camps. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Vijayan and will be visiting the flood-affected state after Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s funeral.

Addressing a press conference, CM Vijayan said, “Death toll due to floods has risen to 167.” It is to be known that out of 39 Dams in the state, gates of 35 dams have been open which has created more problems for people of Kerala. Also, the dams in neighbouring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka too are on the verge of overflowing and might reach danger mark, if the rains continue.

Concerned over the issue of Kerala floods, PM Modi informed that he would visit Kerala later in the day. He took to twitter and wrote: “Had a telephone conversation with Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan just now. We discussed the flood situation across the state and reviewed rescue operations. Later this evening, I will be heading to Kerala to take stock of the unfortunate situation due to flooding.”

Had a telephone conversation with Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan just now. We discussed the flood situation across the state and reviewed rescue operations.

Later this evening, I will be heading to Kerala to take stock of the unfortunate situation due to flooding. @CMOKerala

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2018

Briefing the press conference on the situation on Thursday, Vijayan had stated more than 1.5 lakh people are in various camps in the state and around 2500 trapped in Ernakulam district, adding 550 were from Pathanamthitta district. He also said that monsoon-related diseases are being monitored and by authorities.

About the rescue mission, he said, “About 10 MI 17 helicopters have been asked. A total of 10 AHH helicopters have requested 10 more. 40 NDRF teams have also been announced. More helicopters will be available Friday for rescue operations. They will be used in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur. Three helicopters will land at these district headquarters in white. There will be used for the rescue of the district administration.”

Though there is a shortage of drinking water, Vijayan assured that he had directed the authorities to take care of the matter and requested people to seek help for local bodies. Since the situation is grim, CM has also sought financial donations from the people country-wide.