Kerala floods updates: Narendra Modi reaches Thiruvananthapuram, will take aerial survey of state tomorrow

Helplines numbers for all Kerala districts

District collectors’ numbers for rescue 
 

Thiruvananthapuram
0471-2730067
0471-2730045
8547610015

Assist. Commissioner(DM)
Mob No-8547610004

2
Kollam
0474-2794004
9447557736
Commissioner
Mob No-8547610000

3
Pathanamthitta
0468-2222515
8547610039
 
4
Alappuzha
0477-2238630
8547610047
 
5
Kottayam
0481-2562201
8547610057
 
6
Idukki
0486-2232242
0486-2232303
8547610061
 
7
Eranaakulam
0484-2422282
854710077
 
8
Trissur
0487-2362424
8547610085
 
9
Palakkad
0491-2505309
8547610097
 
10
Malappuram
0483-2736320
854716007
 
11
Kozhikod
0495-2371002
854716018
 
12
Wayanad
04936-202251
04936-202230
8547616023
 
13
Kannur
0497-2713266
0497-2700645
8547616034
 
14
Kasaragod
0499-4257700
9447726900

Details of SSP/SP’s of District Kerala
S.No
Name District
Mobile
Office No
Residential No
Fax No
1
SP TVM RL
9497996985
0471-2315803
2317545
2315803

2
SP KLM City
9497996908
0474-2764422
5459555
2744165

3
SP PTA
9497996983
0468-2222636
2222637
2222636

4
SP ALPY
9497999682
0477-2239326
2230527
2263600

5
SP KTM
9497996980
0481-2564700
2578115
2564700

6
SP IDI
9497996981
04862-232354
2233004
2233006

7
SP EKM RL
9497996979
0484-2623550
2604080
2623550

8
SP TSR RL
9497996978
0487-2361000
2363601
 
9
SP PKD
9497996977
0491-2534011
2533276
2534011

10
SP  MPM
9497996976
0483-2734377
2734384
2734377

11
SP KKD RL
9497996975
0496-2523100
2517988
2523100

12
SP WYD
9497996974
04936-202525
202500
202525

13
SP KNR
9497996973
0497-2763330
2763331
2763330

14
SP KSD
9497996972
04994-257401
255301
230401

15
SP TRAFFIC SZ
9447105619
0471-2324001
 
 
16
SP TRAFFIC NZ
9497996437
0495-2769190

Pinarayi Vijayan received Narendra Modi at Thiruvananthapuram airport  

Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Kerala to take stock of the flood situation in the state; received by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Governor P Sathasivam and Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons pic.twitter.com/fAW9D2KCPE

— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018

Telangana govt extends Rs 25 cr help to flood-ravaged Kerala 

The Telangana government today announced an assistance of Rs 25 crore to rain-ravaged Kerala. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao has directed Chief Secretary S K Joshi to see that the money reaches Kerala immediately, an official release said.

Rao has also instructed that water purifying machines worth Rs 2.50 crore be supplied to Kerala as drinking water gets polluted due to floods, it said. The chief Minister has appealed to industrialists, prominent persons in IT sector and others in Telangana to help the rain-hit state, it said.

Andhra Pradesh announces Rs 10 crore aid to rain-battered Kerala
 

The Andhra Pradesh government has announced a financial assistance of Rs 10 crore to the rain-ravaged state. Expressing grief over the devastation, Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said his government would extend all possible help to Kerala. “Our moral support will always be there. We will also help the state in kind and other ways as well,” the CM said in a statement. He hoped that the situation in the state would return to normal soon. PTI

Narendra Modi lands in Kerala

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram. He will stay overnight at the Kerala Raj Bhawan and will conduct an aerial survey of the flood-hit state on Saturday morning.

Telangana, Delhi, Punjab assure total of Rs 45 cr help as reports say state suffered loss of over Rs 10,000 cr

Telangana chief minister has offered Rs 25 crore assistance, while Delhi and Punjab have offered Rs 10 crore each to help flood-hit Kerala. Conservative estimates so far have suggested that the state has suffered losses to the tune of Rs 10,000 crore, however, an official figure is yet to be released.

Meanwhile, Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy to review flood situation in state tomorrow

Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy will visit Kodagu tomorrow and review the relief operations in the district. He will chair a high-level meeting regarding the flood situation in the state at 10.30 am tomorrow in Krishna and then leave for Kodagu. He’ll visit rain-affected areas in Nanjangood and Kabini on Sunday.

DGCA caps domestic airlines fare to/ from Kerala in view of floods

The  Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which held talks with the carriers, said it is constantly monitoring airfares on 32 direct routes operating to/from Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, Coimbatore and Mangalore. “Spike in airfare on a few routes have been observed. Airlines concerned have been advised to cap the airfare on these flights,” it added.

“Domestic airlines have also been advised to ensure that airfares to/from Thiruvananthapuram/Kozhikode airports in Kerala and nearby airports in Mangalore and Coimbatore are kept at optimal level proportionate to sector distance so that travelling public is not inconvenienced,” DGCA said. Accordingly, airlines have been requested to cap the maximum fare at Rs 10,000 on longer routes and around Rs 8,000 on shorter routes to/from Kerala and nearby airports. PTI

DGCA asks domestic airlines to mount services for flood-hit Kerala 

​

In view of closure of Cochin airport, DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has asked scheduled domestic airlines to mount additional flights for Thiruvananthapuram and Calicut airports. Out of 71 arrivals and 74 departures of scheduled domestic airlines to/from Cochin, 23 arrivals and 24 departures have been rescheduled. 

Additionally, 19 arrivals/departures have been mounted to/from Trivandrum, Calicut and Coimbatore airports. Nine foreign carriers operating to Cochin have also rescheduled their flights to/from Trivandrum.

Thousands stranded from three straight days in Chengannur, local MLA seeks urgent help

“The situation in Chenagnnur in Pathanamthitta is getting worse with every passing moment. Thousands are stranded for the third day without food water and medicines in some of the most interior areas. Unless urgent steps are taken to reach them we could be in for huge casualties,” Saji Cherian, CPI(M)’s MLA from Chengannur said.

Several families stuck in Angamaly for last 24 hours

#EXCLUSIVE – Phone lines were available only in the morning for some time. The people are stuck in Angamaly for the last 24 hours. Since the night of August 16th, we have been receving SOS messages. | On-ground reporting by @Neethureghu on #FaceOff with @SiddiquiMaha | #SOSKerala pic.twitter.com/0Tah0NOf6a

— News18 (@CNNnews18) August 17, 2018

WCD Ministry to send food packets, relief material to Kerala 

Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi said that she has asked her department to coordinate with relief and rescue operations. She tweeted: “Deeply anguished by the critical condition of Kerala. I have asked my team to extend full support to the Government of Kerala in rescue and relief operations. To aid distressed Children stuck in this massive calamity, I have arranged 100 MT of Ready-To-Eat Food.  Have also assured the State Govt. for more supplies.
Praying for well-being and safety of Children.”

In Karnataka’s Kodagu, 1 column of army deployed; over 1000 people rescued

The Indian Army deployed one coloumn in Karnataka’s Kodagu district following heavy rainfall and landslips. The army evacuated over 1,000 people in the area. 

Update on #KodaguFloods rescue efforts -

Since yesterday, @adgpi has deployed 1coln. (Team of 30 to 40 personnel equipped w/ rescue material) in the district. 1000+ persons rescued.
Another @adgpi coln to reach by tonight and both teams to continue ops tomorrow.@nsitharaman

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) August 17, 2018

Insurers asked to expeditiously settle claims

With Kerala reeling under one of the worst floods, Indian Railways on Friday sent over 2.8 lakh liter of drinking water to the state through wagons and also bottled water.

“The Southern Railway has dispatched one water special consisting of seven wagons with water tank from the Erode Junction station at 4 p.m. today with 2.8 lakh liter of drinking water,” Rajesh Dutt Bajpai, Director Media Railway Ministry, said. “Today 2,740 cartons were despatched from Parassala Rail Neer plant. Another 10,000 cartons of water bottles (1,00,000 bottles) from IRCTC’s Parassala plant in Kerala is under progress,” he said, adding that about 15,000 cartons with water bottles are being despatched from IRCTC’s Palur Plant in Tamil Nadu.

Southern Naval Command puts its weight behind Operation Madad; 58 teams deployed 

Even as the flood situation continued to remain dire all across Kerala, Southern Naval Command had deployed a total of 58 rescue and diving teams with Gemini boats in multiple locations as of 4:30 PM on 17 Aug 18, the ninth day of Operation Madad.

Eighteen more teams were sent out to various locations since early morning, to augment the rescue teams. A total of 10 and 9 diving/ rescue  teams with Gemini boats were received from Eastern Naval Command and  Western Naval Command respectively.

More than 3000 people have been rescued till date by the SNC  and continuous efforts are on to bring the flood affected people to safety and also provide them essential relief supplies such as food and water. Today 310 people have been rescued by the boats and 176 by aircraft as of 4.30 pm.

Odisha govt opens helpline for state residents stuck in Kerala; call numbers 1070 and 0674-2534177

The Odisha government Friday opened a helpline for the Odia community under distress in Kerala, hit by a flood-like situation there. The helpline which would be operated from the office of the Special Relief Commissioner, Bhubaneswar could be reached at 1070 and 0674-2534177. 

This comes a day after around 130 labourers from Odisha stuck at Odapally area of Kerala made a video and broadcasted it appealing to the state govt to come to their rescue. Meanwhile, the Special Relief Commissioner from Odisha Bishnupada Sethi has also written to the Additional Chief Secretary, Disaster Management of the Kerala government requesting him to ensure all adequate support to them like food, drinking water and others. 

Input by Saurabh Sharma, 101 Reproters

17 trains between Karnataka and Kerala cancelled, 8 partially cancelled and 2 diverted due to heavy rains, landslips, flash floods

#KeralaFlood Changes in Pattern of Train Services @TVC138 @propgt14 @SalemDRM @drmmadurai @DRMTPJ @DrmChennai pic.twitter.com/2hllszfI7s

— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) August 17, 2018

Southern Railways dispatches 3 special trains with 2.8 lakh litres water to Kerala 

HELPING HAND OF RAILWAYS IN PROVIDING DRINKING WATER @TVC138 @propgt141 @drmmadurai @SalemDRM @DrmChennai @MAS_138 pic.twitter.com/ZjQ3XjwnOe

— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) August 17, 2018

Narendra Modi leaves for Kochi, will conduct aerial survey across state tomorrow

Leaving for Kerala to take stock of the flood situation in the state.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2018

Kerala govt calls back minister K Raju from Germany visit following Opposition backlash 

Kerala Forest Minister K Raju, who went to Germany to take part in the World Malayali Global Council conference, was called back by his Communist Party of India after it kicked off a controversy. The minister who was given the charge of coordinating the rescue and relief operations in Kottayam district had left the state at a time when the district was reeling under severe flood. Though several other ministers, MPs including Shashi Tharoor and MLAs were invited only Raju and Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) MP ET Mohamed Basheer went for the conference. Kottayam district has been under red alert for the last one week.

Respite from rains in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram limped back to normalcy as there was some respite for the rains on Thursday and Friday. Water has started receding in the flood-hit areas of the district, said a media release from the District Information Office. As there were no heavy showers reported on Thursday, works to drain water from the water-logged areas and sanitation works could be conducted, helping in a quick recovery of the district. Many who were rehabilitated in relief camps have returned to their homes. However, more than 7000 are still being accommodated in relief camps in the flood-hit areas in the district.

Deepu Aby Varghese/101Reporters

ICICI bank pledges Rs 10 crore, Star India to donate Rs 2 crore for Kerala flood relief 

ICICI Bank today announced that it will contribute Rs.10 crore to aid the state government and the local authorities in their efforts to provide relief and assistance in the flood-affected regions of Kerala. The majority of the contribution will be extended to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. The Bank will also contribute to the District Collectors’ efforts in all the 14 districts of the state to help in the supply of essential commodities like clothes, food items, medicines, sanitation & hygiene products and others.  

Similarly, broadcasting major Star India also said it would donate Rs 2 crore to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund as its contribution towards
relief and rehabilitation in the rain-ravaged state. Additionally, Asianet employees have pledged  Rs 25 lakh to the relief work in state, a company statement said.

Food packets airdropped in Pathanamthitta 

Food collected at Trivandrum International Airport for thousands of flood victims in Pathanamthitta was airdropped and distributed under the supervision of district officials. The Indian Army has requested all those trying to help the flood victims in Kerala to drop off dry food packets at collection centres.  

Deepu Aby Varghese/101Reporters

Authorities appeal people to send only dry food items for distribution in flood-hit areas

The army officials involved in rescue in disaster-hit areas of Kerala have clarified that only dry food items can be distributed among the victims. Food items that require no cooking and that are free of water content are needed for distribution. The clarification came as many people have been donating cooked food at the collection centres, which would only be wasted, without reaching the beneficiaries. The media release from Thiruvananthapuram District Information office said that people should heed this suggestion from the army and contribute drinking water bottles, rice flakes (aval), jaggery, biscuits, dry fruits, buns, chocolates etc.

Deepu Aby Varghese/101Reporters

Indian Navy and NDRF carry out combined ops in interior parts of Wayanad

​

Image Courtesy Indian Navy PRO

Punjab CM announces Rs 10 crore immediate relief for flood-ravaged Kerala

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has announced Rs 10 crore immediate relief for the flood-ravaged Kerala, where 106 people died on a single day yesterday as the state plunged deeper into misery with hospitals facing shortage of oxygen and fuel stations running dry.

According to an official statement, while Rs 5 crore is being transferred from the Punjab Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to Kerala counterpart’s relief fund, the remaining Rs 5 crore will be in the form of ready-to-eat food material and other supplies, to be flown there with the help of the Defence Ministry.

Defence Ministry provided 1300 life jackets, 576 buoys, 25 motor boats today to scale up rescue ops

Update #OpMadad :

Material and equipment crucial for rescue and relief operations in #KeralaFloods provided today.
The MoD & Indian Armed Forces continue to work tirelessly in the relief operation. @nsitharaman @CMOKerala #KeralaSOS pic.twitter.com/Hzdq00YYeV

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) August 17, 2018

Meanwhile, Karnataka state transport has suspended bus services between Mangalore and Bengaluru due to heavy rainfall, landslides 

Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has stopped all its premium service buses from Mangalore to Bengaluru due to heavy rain and landslide.

— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018

Kerala’s worst calamity in a century kills 324; over 2 lakh people displaced 

The Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, in an appeal for aid and donations, said that 324 lives have been lost so far and 2,23,139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. The state is ravaged by unprecedented rains, which forced the authorities to open gates of 80 dams in southern India. This is termed the worst calamity to hit the state in the past 100 years.

A look at losses incurred by flood-hit Kerala till now

Till Friday, 173 people have lost their lives in the floods that damaged homes and crops across 11 districts in the southern state. 

Watch: Rescue efforts underway in Alappuzha  

#WATCH: Boats being used to rescue people in a flood-hit market in Alappuzha city. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/E0iMpbYdlV

— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018

Indian Navy rushes 8 lakh litres of drinking water to Kochi through INS Deepak

#OpMadad #KeralaFloods2018 #KeralaFloodRelief #IndianNavy rushes Fleet replenishment tanker #INSDeepak from Mumbai to Kochi with 8 Lakh litres of drinking water. Scheduled to reach Kochi AM 19Aug @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @CMOKerala @DG_PIB pic.twitter.com/xOTqtr3mVE

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 17, 2018

Despite pouring rain, rescue efforts still underway in Malappuram’s Vengara area 

With over 250 people safely evacuated to the relief camp at Valiyora AMUP School in Malappuram, rescue operations are underway in full swing despite heavy downpour. Many families are still stuck in Tappancheri hills and around the river banks of Muthalamad in Vengara area. Two fire force units started their rescue operations around 3 pm on Thursday along with a navy unit, which was able to distribute food to the people stuck.

Kerala CMO makes renewed appeal for contributions for floods 

The Kerala Chief Minister’s office has made an appeal to people once again to support the relief and rescue oeprations by contributing more to the relief fund. The tragedy in Kerala is the worst to hit the state in a century. Here is how you can help. 

Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Your help can rebuild the lives of the affected. Donate to https://t.co/FjYFEdOsyl #StandWithKerala.

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 17, 2018

People scramble to stock up on fuel as rumours of fuel shortage spread; no confirmation from oil companies yet 

There is a mad rush at Petrol Pumps across south Kerala with serpentine queues of cars wanting to fill their tanks as unconfirmed news spread that the movement of fuel ferrying tanker lorries from north to south Kerala would be severely affected due to the floods. Many pumps in Thiruvananthapuram have already put up ’no stock’ boards as consumers continue the panic buying. Oil companies, however, have not confirmed a possible scarcity of fuel in the next few days. 

Trivandrum district authorities had earlier rubbished rumours of a possible fuel shortage

Rescue efforts continue on war footing as parts of Aluva, Chalakudy still remain cut-off 

Rescue efforts continue on a war footing in Kerala. More than 15000 people have been rescued by the combined rescue team. At least 314 have been airlifted between Thursday and Friday but thousands still await help on roofs across three districts of Pathanamthitta, Ernakulam and Thrissur. Pandanad and Malakkara in Pathanamthitta, certain areas in Aluva in Ernakulam and Chalakudy in Thrissur are still cut off due to heavy flooding.

Water has started receding in places like Chengannur and Ranni in Pathanamthitta but the same has started filling areas of Kuttanad in Alapuzha. Indian Aiforce and navy are still engaged in evacuation but there is still a lack of boats for which the chief minister has once again spoken to the prime minister for more help. Pandalam which is again a prominent town in Pathanamthitta has been submerged totally on Friday. All this continues inspite of the government not opening the dams any further.

Web portal helps authorities coordinate rescue efforts, becomes channel for residents to flag SOS messages

Following difficulties faced by the flood-hit people in accessing helpline numbers, the state government has launched a web portal to reach out to emergency responders. People requiring assistance can enter site www.keralarescue.in and key in their requirements like rescue, drinking water, food, clothes, medicines, kitchen and cleaning equipment after pressing “request for help”. After providing the information they have to click ’need rescue’. The information from the site will be passed on to Police, Navy, NDRF and other rescue teams. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has asked the people to make use of the facility.

Air India Express waives off cancellation, rescheduling fee on flights from Trivandrum, Cochin and Calicut airports

Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India, has joined the relief effort by announcing free cancellation of booked tickets. On its Facebook page, the low-cost airline said that the passengers will also be able to reschedule the date of their journey and change the sectors free of charge. The airline said that it would refund the full ticket amount if tickets are cancelled. The concession will be available to all to-and-fro flights from Trivandrum, Cochin and Calicut international airports till 26 August.

In Karnataka, NDRF teams strive to rescue trapped people in Mukkodlu village near Madikeri

A team of NDRF personnel is striving to rescue at least 80 people who are trapped in Mukkodlu village near Madikeri district in Karnataka. 

Image procured by Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters 

Local fishermen turn heroes in flood-hit Kerala, risk meagre resources, lives to aid in rescue ops

As the navy boats are running short, fishermen from different parts of the state have taken off from their job and are taking their fishing boats to the flood-hit areas. People from of coastal villages of Neendakara, Vizhinjam, Ponnani, Tanur and Kozhikode didn’t go for fishing on Friday and have ventured to hilly areas instead, which are reeling under the floods,  News18 r eported. They braced several problems in doing so as most of the hilly areas are cut-off due to landslides and heavy flooding on National Highways.  

State authorities too have welcomed their help as the boats brought by fishermen are small and can negotiate narrow areas. But the fishermen aren’t helping out with hopes of any remuneration. Speaking to News Minute,  several fishermen said that they haven’t asked for any money from the state authorities and they were only trying to do whatever they can to help save lives. 

““We aren’t getting a single rupee as remuneration for what we are doing, but that isn’t why we are doing this. We are saving lives, and we can’t think of anything else that could give us this feeling of satisfaction,” one of the fisherman told the  News Minute .

Rescue operations underway in Vengara area of Mallapuram District

Image courtesy: Rabeeha Abdurehim

In rain-hit Kerala, c****entral government advises airlines to keep flight fares in check 

The Central government has asked domestic airlines to keep a check on airfares for flights operating to and from Kerala. The advisory comes as the state suffers from one of the worst bouts of floods in the recent past. According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airfare on 18 domestic routes are being monitored.

Two people killed during rescue ops in Kochi 

Two persons have died during the rescue operations in Kochi. Midhunkumar (23), a native of Puthuvype, was washed away by the flood near Kalamaserry. The other person who lost the life in the rescue operation is Vattekkunnam Babu (48). Further details were not immediately available.

Kerala fishermen pool in efforts to aid rescue operations; Pinarayi Vijayan says about 200 fishing boats deployed 

In addition to the rubber boats brought in by armed forces and coast guards, about 200 more fishing boats have also been deployed to rescue people trapped in flood-affected areas. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 19 boats have been sent to Tiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district, 15 each were sent to Thrissur and Ernakulam and 48 were sent to Chalakkudy. He said that 48 more boats were ready to join the operation.

Vijayan said that fishermen who know swimming have also joined the operation. The boats have come from Vizhinjam and Poovar in Thiruvananthapuram, Anchuthengu in Kollam, Ponnani in Malappuram district, Azhikkal in Kannur and Thalaserry. Earlier 50 boats from Thiruvananthapuram were pressed into service under an initiative of the Trivandrum Archdiocese of the Latin Catholic Church.

Karnataka revenue minister tours Kodagu district, requests navy’s help after landslides hit area 

The unrelenting fury of the Southwest monsoon is now affecting parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as well, in addition to ravaging flood-hit Kerala. Heavy and incessant rainfall triggered landslides in the Kodagu district of Kerala, and several low-lying areas in the city were also water-logged. 

State revenue minister RV Deshpande has said that a team of 80 Indian Navy personnel from Mangalore would be pressed in to rescue operations in Kodagu. Speaking to reporters on Friday he instructed district officers to open relief camps in the affected areas. He has also instructed officers to seize all the excavators in the district and press them to work on clearing the roads. Various medical teams from neighbouring districts are also arriving to attend to the needs of those injured during the floods and landslides.

Input by Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters

Meanwhile in Tamil Nadu, Valaparai in Coimbatore district faces flood-like situation due to heavy rainfall

Due to heavy rains in Valparai in Coimbatore, Nadumalai river is in spate and water has entered over 150 homes in the Vazhai Thotham, Children’s Park and Gandhinagar. The state transport corporation bus depot has also been flooded forcing the state to suspend bus services.

Input by Mohammed/101Reporters

Pregnant woman rescued by Indian Navy earlier delivers her baby 

The young lady and her new born son both are doing fine. God Bless them pic.twitter.com/ysrh1DVUx6

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 17, 2018

Map of army deployment across Kerala 

According to state information agency, PIB, IndianArmy is deeply involved in the rescue and relief operations in Kerala. As of today, a total of 10 flood relief columns, each having an approx strength of 65 personnels are carrying out rescue operations. 

Update #OpMadad :

To provide relief during #KeralaFloods2018 @adgpi has deployed personally to perform search and rescue mission, maintain connectivity and provide first aid.

Below map shows the deployment of personnel as on date.@nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/yBZNUrxEEj

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) August 17, 2018

51 NDRF teams active in flood-hit state; over 4,000 people evacuated to safety

The NDRF said today it has moved more than 4,000 people to safer places and rescued another 44 from flooded areas in Kerala during the past nine days, even as its personnel struggle to reach remote areas cut off due to landslides.

Kerala has been severely hit by monsoon rains and rivers and dam reservoirs are overflowing, inundating a large part of the state. At least 100 people died yesterday in rain-related incidents, State Disaster Management Authority officials said in Thiruvananthapuram.

****News18 Kerala starts helpline to assist in flood-hit state 

News18 Kerala, part of the Network 18 media group, has started a helpline number for those stranded in flood-hit Kerala. People can reach out to the following phone numbers for assistance. 

Trivandrum district authorities rubbish rumours about fuel shortage 

The Trivandrum District Information Office has rubbished rumours about fuel shortages in the state. District Collector K Vasuki has instructed fuel bunk owners to store 3000 litres of diesel and 1000 litres of petrol. She has also asked them to give priority to vehicles involved in relief operations.

Inputs by Deepu Aby Varghese/ 101Reporters

Indian Navy rescued a heavily pregnant woman from flood-hit Kerala

The Indian Navy tweeted a video, Friday, showing a successful rescue operation from flood-hit Kerala. The naval team managed to rescue a pregnant woman, who was very close to labour. The woman has been successfully shifted to a local hospital for further care and treatment.  

A pregnant lady with water bag leaking has been airlifted and evacuated to Sanjivani. Doctor was lowered to assess the lady. Operation successful #OpMadad #KeralaFloodRelief #KeralaFloods2018 pic.twitter.com/bycGXEBV8q

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 17, 2018

State tourism minister says more volunteers joining in relief work; Army, navy very helpful

Speaking to reporters outside SMV High School in Trivandrum, state tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran said that he is happy that more and more volunteers are coming forward to help with the rescue efforts which are being coordinated by district administration officials. He also said that they have been getting great help from the army and navy. Relief material including food items that was being collected at the school has now been loaded on five trucks to be sent to affected areas in Pathanamthitta, Kochi and other districts.

Video courtesy: Deepu Aby Varghese/101Reporters

In pics: Congress MLA and leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala visits affected areas in Haripad, Alappuzha 

Image courtesy: Deepu Aby Varghese/101Reporters

More than 2 lakh cusec water to be released into Tungabhadra river in Karnataka

Trouble may be coming Karnataka’s way as 2.20 lakh cusecs of water being is being let out into the Tungabhadra river from the reservoir. The Anjaneya temple in Modalagatti is partially submerged. It sits next to a bridge over the Tungabhadra river that connects the Hadagali and Mundargi taluk and provides the shortest route to Gadag. 

Image courtesy: Raghottama/101Reporters

In Pics: Houses in Wayanad have been damaged due to floods and inundation

Image courtesy: Saji Bomman/Wayanad

Naval airstrip in Kochi offered to civilian airlines as airport remains closed

Cabinet secretary has directed the organisation deployed in relief work to mobilise additional boats and equipment including CAPFs such as CRPF, BSF and SSB. The Railways has provided 1,20,000 water bottles and another 1,20,000 bottles are ready to be dispatched. It is also running a special train carrying 2.9 lakh litres of drinking water that will reach Kayakulam on Saturday.

Use of Naval airstrip at Kochi for use by civilian airlines has been offered to the Kerala Government as the civilian airport remained closed. Kerala Government has been advised to explore the use of V-SAT communication links in areas where telephone connectivity has been disrupted. Cabinet secretary also directed that emergency medicines may be put on standby. The NCMC will meet again on Saturday to review the situation.

Army, navy, coast guard ramp-up rescue and relief operations; deploy additional force

The Indian Navy has deployed 51 boats along with diving teams, 1,000 life jackets and 1,300 gumboots. It will airdrop 1,600 food packets today. The Coast Guard has deployed 30 boats along with rescue teams, 300 life jackets, seven life rafts and 144 life guards.

Meanwhile, the IAF has deployed 23 helicopters and 11 transport aircraft. Some of the aircraft are being flown in from Yelahanka and Nagpur. Army has pressed into service 10 columns, 10 Engineering Task Forces (ETFs), 60 boats and 100 life jackets and the NDRF has mobilised 43 rescue teams and 163 boats along with other equipment.

Crisis management committee orders for deployment of more boats and helicopters in Kerala

Cabinet secretary directed all defence organisations to provide boats, helicopters, life jackets, life buoys, raincoats, gumboots, inflatable tower lights etc.Kerala chief secretary requested for motorised boats so as to reach people marooned in flood affected areas.

So far, the Centre has mobilised deployment of 339 motorised boats, 2,800 life jackets, 1,400 life buoys, 27 light towers and 1,000 raincoats. Further, 72 motor boats, 5,000 life jackets, 2,000 life buoys, 13 light towers and 1,000 raincoats are being deployed. 1,00,000 food packets have been distributed and arrangements are being made to supply another 1,00,000 food packets. Provision has been made for supply of milk powder as well.

Defence minister shares armed forces deployment plan in Kerala

Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted the complete deployment data chart put in force for the Kerala floods 2018 rescue mission by armed forces since 9 Aug 2018. 

Update on #OpMadad - Below table shows complete deployment data under #KeralaFloods 2018 rescue mission by armed forces since 9th Aug 2018. Separate rows shows the additional deployment on 16th Aug'18 & assets that have been mobilised as of today (17th Aug) morning.@nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/7WvuGUrlVr

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) August 17, 2018

Crisis management panel reviews flood situation in Kerala, decides to mobilise unprecedented rescue and relief operations

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) has met for the second time in two days in Delhi on Friday to review the rescue and relief operations in the flood affected areas in Kerala. Cabinet secretary PK Sinha, who chaired the meeting, held a video conference with the chief secretaries of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It was decided to mobilise additional resources of all agencies including army, navy, air force, coast guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to provide required assistance to Kerala.

Watch: Areas submerged under water in Wayanad 

Video courtesy: Saji Bomman/Wayanad

Chief Minister requests people to add date and time along with their exact location in SOS messages

“We are receiving multiple repetitive rescue requests in CMO. Ensure that you add date and time along with exact location, any significant landmark, district, number of stranded people and contact number of victim in all new requests,” Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted.

We are receiving multiple repetitive rescue requests in CMO. Ensure that you add date and time along with exact location, any significant landmark, district, number of stranded people and contact number of victim in all new requests. #KeralaSOS

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 17, 2018

SOS Message: 8 people stranded in Thrissur’s Mala town

Eight people in the upper floor of a house in Annamada are struck for the past three days. Food, water and insulin is over. Water is entering the upper floor as well. Last contacted 1 hour ago (11.00 am, 17 August). Mobile number: +91 98464 40468. Address: Chennalil House, Mambrakadavu Road, Palissery Annamanada, Mala, Trissur​.

Efforts on to rescue residents in the Wayanad district of Kerala

Most of the villages close to rivers like Chaligadha, Palakolli, Padilambam, Neykuppa, Lakkidi-Perur, Mookuthi Kunnu, Panamaram, Cheriyamkolly, Chegadhi and Karapuzha are fully submerged. Residents of villages which are partially submerged haven’t been fully moved to the relief camps yet and are facing problems like food shortage.

Relief camps have been set up across the district by the Scheduled Tribes Development Department and the village panchayat. Some camps are concentrated close to Wayanad University area and Wayanad town, others are in parts of the areas near the villages which aren’t submerged. Medical treatment and medicines are being provided and these services are being supported by non-governmental organisations. But due to restricted movement, difficulties are being faced both in rescue and relief.

“The Adivasi population, close to 15%, stay in ‘uru’s’ which are isolated and difficult to access. Some of them have been rescued, efforts are being made to reach most of them. Small landslides are regularly happening in across, especially around Vythiri but no major casualty has been reported,” Saji Bomman, a resident of Nadavayil, Wayanad District who is part of the District rescue team told Firstpost.

20 people stranded on Madikeri-Mangalore national highway amid mudslide

Twenty people are missing in Thanthi Pala near Madiker. More than five houses have collapsed in a mudslide there an rescue team is yet to reach there.

Inputs from Coovercolly Indresh/101 Reporters

Watch: A flooded Madikeri city college road in Karnataka 

Video courtesy: Coovercolly Indresh/ 101 Reporters

Watch: Mallalli falls near Somwarpet in Kodagu district 

Video courtesy: Coovercolly Indresh/101 reporters.

In pics: Ministers visit affected areas in Karnataka’s Coorg

Karnataka state revenue minister RV Deshpande and tourism minister SR Mahesh visit Kushalnagar and Madikeri areas in Coorg to take stock of the situation.

Image courtesy: Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters

Watch: The Somwarpet-Sakleshpur highway in Coorg has developed a 600 ft gorge due to landslides 

Video courtesy: Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters

Those who need accommodation near Trivandrum Airport or Varkala Helipad should contact district administration: DC

“This is the biggest natural diaster people of Kerala have ever witnessed. People have been rescued from Patanamthitta which has suffered the most in North Kerala and people have been rescued and shifted to Thiruvananthapuram. The district administration is seeking help from the local authorities and the community organisations who are willing to help the poor. Those who need accommodation near the Thiruvananthapuram Airport or Varkala Helipad should contact the district administration,” the district collector and chairman of District Disaster Management Authority Thiruvananthapuram said.

Big landslide in Wayanad’s Panjarakoli

Five house have been completely and many more partially damaged in the landlside in Wayanad. People are being evacuated on a large scale from these areas. Though, no casualty has been reported.

Supreme Court directs for reduction water level in Mullaperiyar Dam height to 139 feet

Supreme Court has directed sub-committee under Disaster Management Act 2005, Court appointed committee and National Committee for Crisis Management to explore possibility of reducing water level in Mullaperiyar dam reservoir to 139 feet from 142 feet. Sub-committee meanwhile decides to bring down water level in Mullaperiyaar dam by two to three feet in a phased manner, Centre informs Supreme Court.

#KeralaFloods: Supreme Court directs sub-committee under Disaster Management Act 2005, Court appointed committee and National Committee for Crisis Management to explore possibility of reducing water level in Mullaperiyar dam reservoir to 139 feet.

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) August 17, 2018

#KeralaFloods: Sub-committee meanwhile decides to bring down water level in Mullaperiyaar dam by two to three feet in a phased manner, Centre informs Supreme Court.

— Bar & Bench (@barandbench) August 17, 2018

Chalakudy and Periyar rivers flowing at same level, but water not reciding 

Both the Chalakudy river and the Periyar river are at same level but water is not receding. A landslide occurred in the morning at Manandhavady in Wayanad but no casualty was reported.

All roads incoming from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been opened

All roads from Karnataka are open. There had been inundation on NH 766 at Ponkuzhi but it is now fit for traffic. All roads from Tamil Nadu via Nilgiris are open, including the route via Kollegal in Karnataka. From within Kerala, roads from Kozhikode through Thamarassery Ghat and Kuttiadi Ghat are open for traffic. The road from Malappuram through Nadukani Ghat is also open. However Periya Ghat and Boys Town Ghat from Kannur remain closed and work is under progress to get them opened.

Input by Deepu Aby Varghese/101Reporters

Understanding rescue operations in Kerala

TV Sajeev, head of the Forest Health Division at the Kerala Forest Research Institute which is operating three helpline routes told Firstpost that there are three groups, outside Kerala, who are coordinating rescue operations at the moment — the National Defence Rescue Force, the Navy and the Air force.

“They’ve divided Kerala into three portions for the purpose of operational efficiency. Rescue activities are coordinated at the district Level. Every district collector is operating a district coordination centre and additionally, has their own rescue teams. Official helplines have been constituted across institutes and offices.”

According to Sajeev, people who are stranded call with their locations, the role of those managing helplines is to break this down into geographical coordinates and then transfer the information to the District Coordination Centre. “Here, it is assigned to different rescue teams, manned either by the national forces or district teams. Those rescued are being transferred to relief camps across districts which provide accommodation, food and basic medical care services. There are private relief camps set up across districts too.”

If there is a medical emergency, Sajeev added, that the helplines flag this when they pass on the information. “The rescue teams will either route these cases to a functional super-speciality hospitals at the respective district or coordinate with the district coordination centres and decide. When medical emergencies crop up at relief camps, the problem is that routes to the functional hospitals within some districts are submerged, so either we’ve to use boats or escalate this to the district coordination team’s again.

16 teams of Army, 13 teams of Navy, 10 teams of Air Force and 39 teams of NDRF engaged in rescue ops

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought more central forces to assist the state government in the rescue operations. According to him, 16 teams of Army, 13 teams of Navy, 10 teams of Air Force and 39 teams of NDRF are now engaged in the operations. The NDRF has so far rescued 4,000 people and Navy 550.

1,000 people trapped in Kottayam

At least, 1,000 people got trapped due to overflow of the river Meenachil in Kottayam district. Around 100 people rescued so far.They have been shifted to relief camp of Sh Mount school and Government model school.

Pratyush Deep/101 Reporters

Pinarayi Vijayan asks Centre to send more helicopters to rescue stranded people

I dare you.. I beg of you: Actor Siddharth urges people to donate for Kerala

Actor Siddharth, on Thursday, urged people to contribute whatever they can to the people affected by the floods in Kerala. Calling it ‘Kerala Donation Challenge,’ Siddharth tweeted with a proof of the amount he had donated to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (Govt of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram) and also posted a letter encouraging others also to donate.

164 dead, 4,000 rescued, 70 airlifted: Pinarayi Vijayan 

Addressing the media, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that since 8 August, at least 164 people have died due to flooding and landslides.  Pinarayi Vijayan addressed the media and said that since 8 August at least 164 people have died due to flooding and landslides. “At least, 4,000 people have been rescued by NDRF till now. A total of 70 people have been airlifted from various parts of the city and 1,568 relief camps have opened up in the state,” Vijayan said.

17 people airlifted from Chengannur in Pathanamthitta district this morning

17 people stranded in Chengannur were airlifted on Friday morning. Alapuzha is most likely to face flooding now as water has started receding from Pathanamthitta to Alapuzha district enroute to the Arabian Sea. Kuttanad region is now submerged.

Pinarayi Vijayan reviews flood situation, says need more helicopters to rescue stranded people

“Total 11 helicopters have been deployed to rescue stranded people across Kerala, especially in areas. We have appealed to Centre to provide more choppers for rescue operation. We haven’t been able to deploy more boats in Chengannur, Chalakudy and Aluva. We have received over 140 boats this morning. There are some areas which are high and people can only be rescued by helicopters. Total 16 units of Army deployed across the state.”

In pics: Flooded train station along the Palghat-Shoranur section of Southern railway

The Southern Railways has cancel all trains going to Tamil Nadu from Mangalore. This step was taken after the flooding of railway lines in Palghat-Shoranur section.

Image courtesy: M Raghuram/101 Reporters

Thottapally spillway opened; traffic stopped along NH 47 between Alapuzha and Thiruvananthapuram

The shutters of the Thottapally spillway have been opened in the Alappuzha district. The traffic along NH 47 between Alapuzha and Thiruvananthapuram has been suspended for next three hours as water will flow over the highway.

Supreme Court to hear Kerala flood plea before noon today

The Supreme Court said it will hear the Kerala floods matter before noon on Friday as the court has declared a half-day holiday after 1 pm to mark former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s demise. 

On Thursday, the Supreme Court had directed the sub-committee constituted under Section 9 of the Disaster Management Act to meet with representatives of Kerala and Tamil Nadu to chalk out ways to reduce the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam to 139 ft, The Indian Express reported.

IMD predicts heavy rains in Kochi on Friday and Saturday

Clear skies were seen in Kochi for the first time in 72 hours, but IMD has predicted heavy rain in the city and the Ernakulam district on Friday and Saturday, The Indian Express reported .

Death toll expected to go up as rescue work intensifies

The death toll in the Kerala deluge is likely to go up as hundreds of people stranded in flooded areas, especially in and around Aluva and Pathanamthitta-Chengannur, would be now rescued as multiple sources on the ground reported a slight reduction in the water level in Ranni and Pathanamthitta areas.

However, many rescue team members said that they were unable to rescue people even after they had reached near their houses due to huge compound walls and heavy inflow of water, The Indian Express reported .

In pics: A house in shambles in Kallur distrcit near Madikeri town

Image courtesy: Coovercolly Indresh/101 Reporters

SOS message: Six of a family stranded in Alappuzha near Thalavady Anaprambal South UP School

A SOS message has come from P.Kuruvilla (Kunjutty) of Pulimoottil House which is next to the Thalavady Anaprambal South UP School in Alappuzha district. Six people are stranded and two of them are old. There is a 92-year-old partially paralysed man and his sick wife and four other women who are stranded. They can be reached at: +91 9961388619.

Student Hanan Hamid, late nurse Lini Puthuserry’s husband donate for Kerala flood victims

Kerala student, Hanan Hamid, who became a victim of cyber bullying after her video selling fish in college uniform went viral, has donated Rs 1.5 lakh to Kerala Chief Minister’s Relief fund. Hanan said this was the amount she had received in donations from people after her story went viral. She said that she was giving the entire donation with love to the people who have lost everything in the flood.

Similarly, the husband of Lini Puthuserry, a nurse who died after treating Nipah virus patients, has donated his first month’s salary from the job offered to him by the state government. The husband, Sajeesh, handed over the amount to the Kerala labour and excise minister TP Ramakrishnan in an event held at Vadakara Perambra in the Kozhikode district.

In pics: Gonikoppa-Kutta road blocked due to severe landlside

​

Image courtesy: Angarika Gogoi/101 reporters

Road between Gonikoppa to Kutta village has been blocked

The district administration has appointed officers to shelter homes. District minister Sa Ra Mahesh is camping in district monitoring rescue operations centre. Meanwhile, the road connecting Gonikoppa to Kutta has been blocked.

Inputs from Coovercolly Indresh/101 Reporters

NH 47 between Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram blocked; Thottapally spillway shutters to be opened at 11 am

NH 47 between Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram will be blocked on Friday for sometime as Thottapally spillway shutters will be opened at 11 am. This is to ensure that area is cleared for water from the spillway to flow out into the Arabian Sea.

Many stranded in low-lying area; Emmethal village worst affected 

Villagers in Kandanakolli, Emmethalu, Katakeri and Devasthur in Madikeri are in trouble as the rescue team couldn’t reach them. In Emmethal village, a hillock completely collapsed destroying a house and killing a villager. More than 6-7 feet of silt is affecting rescue operation there by NDRF.

Hundreds of coffee estates in the district are also destroyed due to mud slide. Rural parts have no electricity since two days and most of roads in rural areas are blocked. According to sources, at least 5 people have died in the district. Many home stay owners, marriage convention hall owners gave shelter to victims. However, helicopter services were affected due to adverse weather conditions.

Inputs from Coovercolly Indresh/ 101 Reporters

SOS message: Man stranded in Kadapra village in Thiruvalla town, asks help from Thiruvalla’s Tehsildar

“Sir I am Surendran, Puthuparampil, Valanjavattom, ward number 10 Thiruvalla Kadapra village. Stranded at second floor. Only boat can reach here. Kindly inform Thiruvalla Tehsildar. Since phone battery is weak, I can’t use WhatsApp”, read the SOS message from the stranded man.

SOS message: Infant, mother stranded near Pandanad village office in Chengannur 

A nine-day-old baby and her mother are stranded near Pandanad village office in Chengannur district. they can be reached out on these phone numbers: +91-9745489684, +91-9562891837

Alappuzha may see flooding as water recedes from Pathanamthitta district; Kuttanad submerged

Alappuzha district may face flooding now as water has recedes from Pathanamthitta to Alappuzha district enroute to the Arabian Sea. Kuttanad region is currently submerged.

Watch: Rescue operation underway in Chalakudy area of Ernakulam district 

Teams of Indian Army and NDRF special forces airlifted people to safer areas.

In Pics: Stranded people were airlifted from Chalakudy in Ernakulam district on Friday morning

Those who were stranded in the Ernakulam district were rescued by the army and NDRF teams today morning.

Nirmala Sitharaman talks to Pinarayi Vijayan, orders for more air force helicopters to be sent for rescue and relief work in Kerala

Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman tweeted that she talked to Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan over phone and that he requested her for more helicopters. She said that she has instructed the Vice Chief of Air Staff to provide the required assistance.

Spoke to Hon. @CMOKerala few minutes ago. Enquired if the required materials are sufficiently being provided and if rescue coordination is happening. The Hon. @CMOKerala requested for more helicopters. Have instructed Vice Chief of Air Staff to provide the required assistance.

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) August 17, 2018

CMO urges people to send financial aid to relief fund

People can make direct donations to the Chief Minister Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) by visiting this website:  https://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in/

BSNL Kerala announces unlimited free calls for a week in four districts

BSNL Kerala has announced unlimited free calls for seven days from Friday in Kerala’s four rain affected districts – Waynadu, Idukki, Alleppey and Pathanamthitta. This includes unlimited SMS and 20 minutes of free calling to non-BSNL numbers everyday.

CMO office releases information on the location of rescued people

The release on the chief minister’s twitter handle said that people rescued from Pathanamthitta have been safely accommodated at the Chala Boys High School in Thiruvananthapuram.

Watch: Roads in the Malappuram District are completely submerged under water

The rescue teams are trying to clear the connecting areas to make way for relief material for stranded people. 

Video courtesy: Ijas Ul Haq/Malappuram

Landslides continue in various regions of Malappuram District, nearby areas inaccessible 

Land slides continue in Kalikavu, Karulayi and Nilambur regions due to which submerged areas in and around the areas are inaccessible. A car drowned on Thursday night, when it tried to forcefully pass through NH 213. However, the occupants of the car were rescued.

Water levels across the district haven’t stopped rising and the submergence in the eastern part is very high. Locals, police and fire department are looking for people street by street. 

Inputs from: Ijas Ul Haq/Malappuram district

Watch: People wading through submerged areas in Malappuram town

Video courtesy: Ijas Ul Haq/Malappuram

Kodagu-Mangalore highway blocked in Makanur

The Kodagu-Mangalore highway is blocked in Makanur area due to multiple landslides triggered by heavy incessant rainfall in the region. Locals say “it is not possible to move as people are stuck in their houses”, ANI reported.

#Karnataka: Kodagu-Mangalore highway blocked in Makanur area due to multiple landslides triggered due to heavy incessant rainfall in the region. Locals say 'it is not possible to move, people are stuck in their houses, I have not seen such rainfall before' pic.twitter.com/oZ8NHnrx48

— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018

Red alert issued for today in 13 districts; Ernakulam and Idukki on red alert tomorrow as well

Red alert has been issued in all 13 districts except Kasaragod for Friday. Red alert has been issued for Saturday also in Ernakulam and Idukki districts, ANI reported.

More NDRF teams to rush to Kerala today

Five units of NDRF reached Thiruvananthapuram on Friday morning and have been deployed for rescue operations. Thirty five more teams are expected to reach there today, ANI reported.

Coast guard team shifted to Manjumala village, has rescued 16 people

The Indian Coast Guard’s rescue and relief team from Vandiperiyar has been shifted to the flood affected Manjumala village. The team has rescued 16 stranded people from the village so far, ANI reported.

Indian Coast Guard's rescue&relief team from Vandiperiyar has been shifted to the flood affected Manjumala village. The team has rescued 16 stranded people from the village. Food & dry ration has been distributed among them, rescue operation is underway. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/K42bszAiHT

— ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2018

Mata Amritanandamayi Devi’s math to give Rs 10 cr relief aid to Kerala

Mata Amritanandamayi Devi has announced that her organisation will donate Rs 10 crores to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. “My heart goes out to those families who are losing their homes and dear ones. We want to help them in whatever way we can,” the spiritual leader said.

Temporary respite from rains in Aluva, relief for evacuated people as food and water reach them

There is some temporary respite from the rains in the Aluva region. Children and women were seen coming out of troubled areas on boats with relieved faces as they got water and food for the first time in over 24 hours.

Stranded people flood social media with SOS messages, plead to chief minister for help

Hundreds of messages pleading for help to rescue people stranded in flood-hit areas are flooding the WhatsApp media groups of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). The messages are coming mostly from Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts, where thousands of people are marooned in the floods. KSDMA secretary Shekhar Kuriakose said that they have made arrangement to compile them and pass on to the emergency response team.

Many trains cancelled, routes of others cut-short as heavy rains continue in Kerala

Railways has cancelled services from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam via Kottayam and Ernakulam to Palakkad via Shornur till 4 pm on Friday in view of the continuation of heavy rains and floods. Bookings have been suspended in Thiruvananthapuram Central station. The running of many trains coming to Kerala from various parts of the country has been regulated. The Hubli-Kochuveli Express will run only up to Thrissur whereas, the Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Superfast Express and the Karackal-Ernakulam Express have been suspended at Palakkad junction.

Sri Sri Ravishankar pledges support for Kerala

The spiritual guru said that his organisation the Art of Living will do all possible help to aid in rescue work in the flood-hit state.

Spoke to the Chief Minister of Kerala Shri @vijayanpinarayi and assured him the full support of the @ArtofLiving with relief efforts in all flood affected areas of Kerala. @CMOKerala

— Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (@SriSri) August 17, 2018

Prime minister says he constantly taking updates from Kerala CM on flood situation

“Had a telephone conversation with Kerala chief minister P Vijayan just now.We discussed 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,” Narendra Modi tweeted.

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

Chandrababu Naidu urges people to donate to Kerala Distress Relief Fund

“Have been receiving updates about areas affected badly by floods in Kerala. Taking all measures to help those stranded by floods and contributing Rs 5 cr for relief work. Help the victims and donate to Kerala’s Distress Relief Fund,” the Andhra Pradesh chief minister tweeted.

Have been receiving updates about areas affected badly by floods in Kerala. Taking all measures to help those stranded by floods & contributing Rs 5 Cr for relief work. Help the victims & donate to Kerala's Distress Relief Fund: https://t.co/R2z4vs9tjr@CMOKerala @vijayanpinarayi

— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) August 17, 2018

RAF conducts rescue operation in Palakkad, saves lives

RAF teams carried out rescue and relief operations in the Palakkad district on Friday morning.

#105RAF carried out rescue and relief operations and saved precious lives in the areas affected by floods in Palakkad district, Kerala. pic.twitter.com/mKEu7Wcblt

— 🇮🇳CRPF🇮🇳 (@crpfindia) August 17, 2018

Auto companies provide donation to CMO’s relief fund to help flood-hit Kerala

The TVS Motor Company has announced a donation of Rs 1 crore for the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), for flood-hit Kerala. Meanwhile, German automaker Mercedes-Benz has announced a voluntary contribution of Rs 30 lakh towards the relief fund and a contribution of Rs 25 lakh towards the Chief Minister’s National Relief Fund. Also, the dealer partners of Mercedes-Benz India will come together to contribute an additional Rs 5 lakh towards the fund to support the flood relief work, according to reports.

Help the people of Kerala affected by floods and landslides by sending essentials, giving financial aid

People in relief camps across the state are in need of essential items like food (pulses, lentils, milk powder, other food items), sleeping mats, water, toiletries, sanitary napkins, towels, blankets, cooking utensils, basic household furniture, containers, and footwear, among others. One can contribute through various independent relief organsation websites or deposit directly in the CMO’s relief fund.

CMO releases helpline numbers for areas around Chalakudy river

**"**People in the low lying areas along Chalakudy river and its tributaries are requested to move to higher locations as a precautionary measure. All stranded people are being attended by the forces in maximum capacity," chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan tweeted.

No communication due to discharged phones makes rescue work difficult

Complete breakdown of communication networks has made the rescue relief coordination difficult. Even though the air force rescue operation has started, none of the control rooms in the districts could be reached as phones are discharged, The Indian Express reported .

Various districts and own submerged in water; people stranded on roofs tops of houses

The Pathanamthitta district is getting fast isolated with Pampa river and all its tributaries overflowing bringing more areas under severe flood. The Pandalam town on the MC road through which rescue teams have been moving is now submerged in the water. Thousands of people are stranded on roof tops and upper floors of the houses in Tiruvalla, Kozhencherry and Ranni areas. Kozhencherry has been cut off from the rest of the district with water from Achankovil and Manimala rivers submerging the town.

No more water to be released from Idukki Dam, says govt

In a huge relief to the people on the banks of Periyar River, the government has decided not to release further water from Idukki dam. Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) officials said that the decision was taken as the water from the river had flooded all residential areas, including the densely populated Aluva. Though the water in the Idukki reservoir is hovering around the maximum storage capacity of 24,003 feet, the KSEB is planning to hold the water till 2,408 feet. The officials said that the present level of discharge will be continued until people in the affected areas are rescued.

Cauvery river on alert as heavy release of water expected from Kabani Dam and Krishna Raja Sagara Dam

The govt has issued an advisory warning for the Cauvery river as it prepares to release more water from the Kabani and Krishna Raja Sagara Dam into the river and its tributaries. More than 2.1 lakh cusecs of water is expected to reach Mettur Dam in Tamil Nadu. 

Helpline numbers for Kerala flood relief released

People can call on these helpline number to get information about stranded people, nearest relief camp etc.

Image courtesy: Twitter/@FarOutAkhtar

Army sent to rescue people stranded in Chalakudy town

Kerala revenue minister E Chandrashekharan has said that Army personnel with helicopters, boats and other equipment have been sent to Chalakudy to rescue the stranded people.

Thousand of people stranded in Chalakudy town; water level in Chalakudy river continues to rise

Water level in the Chalakudy river in Thrissur has risen on Friday confounding the woes of thousands of people stranded in the Chalakudy town and surrounding areas. Most of the people are stranded for more than two days as rescue teams have not been able to reach them as the town is fully submerged. Over 1,500 people stranded on the roof top of a Christian retreat centre at Muringoor are in panic as the water has risen up to the third floor.

Indian Army, Kerala Police deployed in rescue work; special forces being called-in 

The Indian Army, state police and local rescue groups are engaged in rescue operations at Pathanamthitta, Ranni and Chenganoor localities which are submerged in flood waters. More men, including special forces with diving and rescue equipment and helicopters, are being deployed as calls for rescue have been pouring in from various parts of the districts.

Local fishermen help the army in rescue operations

Fisher folks from Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram have joined the Army and state police in rescuing people stranded in Pathanamthitta district following floods in Pampa river and its tributaries. About 130 fishermen who knows swimming have been pressed into action by the Trivandrum Latin Church diocese. The fishermen have arrived in Pathanamthitta with 50 fishing boats.

Old woman stranded in Pathanamthitta district has died

An old woman trapped on the roof top of a house at Pandanad village in Pathanamthitta district died on Friday morning. Although, details about the deceased are not available, a report in Manorama news channel said the deceased was among the 12 people stranded on the roof top of the house. About 90 percent of the house is under water.

Stranded people, relatives use social media to reach out for help

In many places in rain-battered Kerala, families trapped in high rise flats, students stranded in hostels and devotees in churches are using social media platforms to seek help and pass on information about their location. Videos of people pleading for help with folded hands, are being posted and shared by hundreds of people on WhatsApp groups since last night. Panic-struck relatives are also sharing the location of their near and dear ones trapped in various places using Google maps, PTI reported.

Rahul Gandhi urges PM to step-up army deployment in Kerala for rescue operations

Congress president Rahul Gandhi spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday and requested him to increase the deployment of Army and Navy in flood-hit Kerala and give special financial assistance to the state. Gandhi spoke to the prime minister over phone and announced it on Twitter. He noted that the tragedy is unparalleled in Kerala’s history and the state is in “great pain”.

CPM urges supporters to contribute to CMO’s relief fund, send help to flood-hit Kerala

“Given the urgency, party members, sympathisers and the general public are requested to rush their individual contributions either through drafts/cheques drawn in favour of the party or send it directly to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund,” the CPM said in a statement

Two hundred patients of Muvattupuzha hospital stranded; new born babies shifted to safer locations

Newborn babies and patients in intensive care units of private hospitals in Aluva town of Ernakulam district were evacuated and shifted to facilities elsewhere. According to some reports, around 200 patients were stranded at a hospital in Muvattupuzha after rain water swamped the building, PTI reported.

Kochi Airport suspends all operations till 26 August

The Kochi International Airport on Thursday extended the suspension of all services up to 2 pm on 26 August, with large parts of the facility flooded. “Kochi Airport operations is temporarily suspended up to 2 pm on 26 August due to very high flood situation and key essential facilities like runway, taxiway and apron are under submerged condition,” an airport statement said.

Kerala chief minister says situation getting under-control; 250 boats, 23 helicopters added for rescue operations

In a press conference held on Thursday, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed that the situation in Kerala is under control, with rescue missions happening in full swings. Presently around 1.5 lakh people are in refugee camps. Around 3000 people were rescued on Thursday in Ernakulam and Pattanamthitta. The Centre and State are conducting the rescue operations together, according to the Chief Minister’s office. More than 250 boats and 23 helicopters were added to the rescue missions from Friday onwards. The rescue boats are to be operated in Aluva, Chalakudi, Chengannur, Thiruvalla, Ranni, Aranmula, and Kozhancheri. Other than boats from Central Government, boats from the Tamil Nadu Fire Force have also come to Kerala’s aid. 

The water level in Chalakudy is still on the rise, so precautionary methods are to be taken. The CM informed that Tamil Nadu government agreed to release more water from Mullaperiyar Dam and that there is good cooperation from them. The chief minister also advised the public not to forward false messages and verify the information they receive. A circular was passed stating strict action against people who spread fake information.

Stranded people send out SOS messages; disaster authorities to track locations for their rescue

Thousands of people are stranded in flood-hit areas in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts are waiting for rescue teams to save their lives. Most of the people are trapped on the roof tops and upper floors of houses, apartments and hospitals for two to three days without drinking water, food and medicines. They include a large number of sick and aged people, pregnant women and children. The stranded people are unable to convey their plight to emergency responders as their mobile phones do not have charge. Many of them had communicated their location earlier. Officials at the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said that the rescue team will proceed to rescue them according to the location shared earlier.

NCMC takes stock of situation in Kerala; SC orders for Mullaperiyar Dam’s water level to be lowered

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), the country’s apex body for handling emergency situations, met in New Delhi to take stock of the rapidly deteriorating situation caused by the worst floods the state has witnessed in close to a century. The meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha​ was attended by chiefs of the three services, secretaries of home, defence and other top officials, PTI reported. Taking note of the gravity of the situation, the Supreme Court ordered the disaster management panel of the Mullaperiyar Dam to urgently decide on lowering the water level by three ft to 139 ft.

30 people have lost their lives in a single day in Kerala floods

Altogether 97 people have died till now in rain-related incidents in flood-hit Kerala. Battling savage weather conditions, the Indian navy began airlifting marooned people in Trichur, Aluva and Muvattupuzha. Dramatic videos showed people stranded atop flooded homes and hills being winched up by Navy choppers.

Under instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Defence Ministry rushed in fresh teams of the three wings of military for relief and rescue operations in the state where over 1.5 lakh homeless and displaced people are taking shelter in relief camps. All but one of the state’s 14 districts are on high alert, sources said. Twelve additional teams of of the National Disaster Response Force comprising about 540 personnel were also rushed to Kerala.

More than 25 trains cancelled or rescheduled in Kerala due to floods

More than 25 trains were cancelled or rescheduled in Kerala on thursday in view of the unprecedented floods and landslides in the state, the Southern Railway said. Railway officials were closely monitoring the impact of flood on railway tracks, bridges and premises and in various sensitive locations, trains were being run at restricted speeds ranging from 10 kmph to 45 kmph, it said in a release here.

The long distance trains cancelled included Train No 12202 Kochuveli  Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (Garib Rath Express), Train No 12617 Ernakulam  Harzrath Nizamuddin (Mangala Lakshadweep SF Express). “Railway officials are deployed round the clock at all sections to monitor the impact of flood on railway tracks, bridges and railway premises. Officials are also closely monitoring the situation from divisional and headquarters control offices,” the release said.

Rumours about cracks in Mullaperiyar dam ‘baseless’: Kerala govt

The Kerala government described the rumours of Mullaperiyar dam developing cracks as “completely baseless” rumours​ being spread on social media. “This rumour is completely baseless and the dam has not developed any cracks as alleged. These rumours are creating unnecessary panic among people living in downstream in the Periyar catchment,” Water Resources secretary Tinku Biswal said. In a letter to DGP Loknath Behara, she wrote that she wanted the Cyber cell to trace the source of the rumours and take immediate action against them, PTI reported.

Prime minister to visit Kerala today

Narendra Modi will reach Kochi on Friday after attending the funeral of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He will take an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas on Saturday morning, PTI reported.