Kerala floods updates: IMD withdraws red alert for Sunday; Pinarayi Vijayan says 58,506 people rescued today

Three more NDRF teams deployed in Kerala

Three more NDRF teams have been sent from Pune to help with relief and rescue operations in Kerala. Earlier, four teams were sent, bring the total number of NDRF teams sent to Kerala from Pune to seven, ANI  reported.

Onsite medical assistance for the flood affected people by #NDRF team at Urakam in Thrissur, Kerala pic.twitter.com/VfUxt6sK75

— NDRF 🇮🇳 (@NDRFHQ) August 18, 2018

DYFI deploys over 1,200 youth volunteers in Kannur

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The Democratic Youth Federation of India has deployed more than 1,200 youth volunteers in Kannur. They are working at more than 200 camps to ensure that relief material reaches everyone affected by the devastating floods, the CPM tweeted.

More than 1200 youth brigade volunteers have been deployed by DYFI in Kannur itself who are working in more than 200 camps and are ensuring relief assistance reaches every possible person.#KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/g2YSyjsBCr

— CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) August 18, 2018

Rajasthan joins list of states announcing financial aid for Kerala

Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje has announced financial assistance of Rs 10 crore from the state for flood-hit Kerala, ANI reported. Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Punjab and Delhi have also offered financial assistance.

Makeshift shelter set up at Kochi naval base

A makeshift relief shelter has been set up at an aircraft hangar at the naval base in Kochi. It is currently housing at least 250 people affected by the floods in Kerala.

#KeralaFloods2018 #KeralaFloodRelief #OpMadad A makeshift Relief shelter in an aircraft hangar in Naval Base Kochi housing at least 250 affected citizens of Kerala. Naval families in attendance to look after their needs 24X7 pic.twitter.com/mgJjYNiDat

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 18, 2018

NDRF rescues people stranded in Chengannur

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Image Courtesy: Naveen Nair

Rescue efforts are on in various parts of Chengannur

​Image credit: Naveen Nair

Coast Guard rescues 127 people, including 10-day-old baby, from East Kadangaloor

The Indian Coast Guard on Satusday rescued 127 marooned people from the flooded homes of East Kadangaloor, including a 10-day-old infant and a woman in the later stage of pregnancy. They were all moved to safety, the Coast Guard said.

#KeralaFloods2018 #OPRAHAT @IndiaCoastGuard Team rescued 127 marooned people from the flooded homes of East #Kadangaloor including a 10 day old infant and also a mother with advanced pregnancy today. All shifted to safety @DefenceMinIndia @CMOKerala @DG_PIB @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/QulykklUoL

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) August 18, 2018

Arvind Kejriwal chairs meeting on Kerala floods, releases Rs 10 crore for relief work

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal held a meeting to discuss ways to send help to flood-hit Kerala. In a statement, the Delhi government said it would send relief material for the victims of the deluge. Kejriwal has already released Rs 10 crore from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for Kerala, the statement added. 

The Resident Commissioner of Kerala informed Kejriwal that the situation in the southern state was serious and listed out the immediate requirements. Bottled water, biscuits, dry food packets, blankets, bedsheets and clothes are the top requirements at the moment.

Piyush Goyal says Indian Railways is providing 15 lakh litres of water to Kerala 

Railway Minister Piyush Goyal said that due to the floods in Kerala, there has been a shortage of drinking water, and that the Indian Railways is providing 15 lakh litres of water to Kerala from Pune and Ratlam. “In this hour of crisis, Railways is dedicated to extending support to the victims of the Kerala floods,” he tweeted.

Due to the floods in Kerala, there has been a shortage of drinking water. Railways is providing 15 Lakh litres of water to Kerala from Pune and Ratlam. In this hour of crisis, Railways is dedicated to extending support to the victims of the Kerala floods. pic.twitter.com/POWRYWkNIn

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) August 18, 2018

Pinarayi Vijayan says 58,506 people rescued today

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said 58,506 people were rescued on Saturday. He had earlier said that the state was facing an “unprecedented disaster”, and that the situation was very grave.

Telangana minister pledges one month’s salary to flood relief

According to ANI, Telangana municipal administration and IT minister KT Rama Rao has pledged his one month’s salary to the flood relief.

33 people died in Kerala today: Pinarayi Vijayan

The total death toll now stands at 357, according to ANI .

Flooded house in Thrissur

A house in Gandhinagar, Thrissur had water levels coming up to the stairs leading to the house.

People, children wade through flooded waters

A child is seen floating on a bean bag in the waters in this video.

IMD withdraws red alert for Kerala for Sunday

News18 also reported that only four districts were on red alert right now.

#IMD withdraws red alert for #Kerala tomorrow; Only 3 districts - Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam warned of Orange alert; All other districts warned of yellow and green alert, hinting likely rainfall at some places.

— DD News (@DDNewslive) August 18, 2018

Over 5 lakh people in refugee camps in Kerala: News18

The news channel further said that 60,000 people were rescued today. There are still 1 lakh people who still need to be rescued.

Official death toll in the last ten days is 206.

Around 250 people rescued from Kodagu

The army team of 15 DOGRA Battalion, along with Engineer task force and SDRF, have conducted rescue operation in affected areas of Kodagu district, according to the Chief Minister’s Office.

The CMO further said that they have successfully rescued approximately 250 people, which include more than 30 senior citizens and 50 children.

First aid has been provided and evacuation with stretchers are also being carried out for the people in need. The rescue operation is still in progress as the number of people affected is still high.

National Crisis Management Committee reviews rescue efforts

The NCMC in its third meeting today in three days reviewed the ongoing massive rescue and relief operation in the flood affected areas in Kerala. The meeting, held under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary Shri PK Sinha, discussed in a video conference with the Chief Secretary of Kerala the current flood situation and deployment of rescue teams, motorboats, helicopters, life jackets; provision of food, water and medicines; and restoration of power, telecom and transport links wherever they were disrupted.

67 helicopters, 24 aircraft, 548 motorboats and thousands of rescue personnel from Indian navy, army, air force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Coast Guard, other CAPFs, have been pressed into service to rescue and evacuate people from submerged areas to relief camps and for distribution of relief materials.

More than 6,900 life jackets, 3,000 life buoys, 167 inflatable tower lights, 2,100 raincoats, 1,300 gumboots and 153 chain saws have been provided as per the request of the state government.

Train full of rice worth Rs 7.5 crore will leave for Kerala: Chhattisgarh CM

“3 crores will be provided in cash. Doctors, soldiers and even public of our state is ready to go there to help,” Raman Singh further said.

I spoke to Kerala CM today. We've decided that a train full of rice worth around Rs 7.5 crores will leave for Kerala tomorrow. 3 crores will be provided in cash. Doctors, soldiers & even public of our state is ready to go there to help: Chhattisgarh CM Raman Singh. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/Mm5kjgKkKZ

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018

Fallout from Kerala floods hits poultry farms in Namakkal

The fallout from Kerala floods is already being felt in neighbouring states. Poultry farms in Namakkal that would normally send 1.1 crore eggs to Kerala each day are now seeing that only 40 percent of their shipments are able to cross the border.

While the eggs are being diverted to other districts in Tamil Nadu, over 30 lakh eggs are reportedly stuck in the many poultry farms there.

Sourced by Mydeen Abdul Kadar/101Reporters

Indian Commercial Pilots Association offers services for rescue

The Indian Commercial Pilots Association, which had yesterday threatened Air India with a strike over non-payment of their flying dues, have today written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying they are volunteering their services in ferrying survivors and relief materials in Kerala.

They have committed their support for Operation Madad and Operation Sahyog and hoped that the prime minister would turn his attention to the plight of the pilots once calm was restored in Kerala.

Inputs by DA Varghese/101Reporters

Karnataka: CM announces Rs 2 lakh compensation for those who lost their homes, Rs 5 lakh for families of deceased

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy visited victims in a Madikeri relief camp on Saturday and announced Rs 2 lakh compensation to those who lost their homes and Rs 5 lakh to families of the deceased.

He assured that a dedicated housing layout will be built for those affected. He promised to stay for two days in the district next week to help the victims and guaranteed that the government didn’t face any scarcity of funds.

Inputs by Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters

Stranded people in state reach out through social media

Here is another SOS from Chengannur:

Over 70 trapped textile traders from Tamil Nadu rescued in Kerala

More than 70 textile traders from Rajapalayam in Virudhunagar district in Tamil Nadu had been trapped for the past three days without food or water in Ranni in Pathanamthitta in Kerala.

They had gone to Kerala, as usual, this week to sell their wares but heavy rains and subsequent flooding had forced them to take shelter on the third floor of the local post office.

A few other families with children had also been staying with them. As water entered the second floor, they sent out urgent appeals via Whatsapp. It is understood that they were rescued today and are expected to return to Tamil Nadu. However, their entire merchandise has been lost in the flood.

Inputs by Jailani/101Reporters

Over 300 people rescued in Chengannur: Kerala minister

“Massive rescue operation is underway in Chengannur, more than 300 people have been rescued. We need engineers to help us construct makeshift bridges so that rescue operations can be a carried out in forest areas,” ANI quoted Kerala minister G Sudhakaran as saying.

Padanad emerging as epicentre of calamity

Pandanad in Kerala’s Chengannur town could turn into the epicentre of the worst calamity to hit the state since it was formed. For the fourth day in a row, thousands of families in this central Kerala village are stranded on rooftops without food, water, medicine and electricity.

Local fishermen on boats are battling rough waters to save as much as they can, but with the Pampa river still in spate, flowing with rapid ferocity, most of the areas in Pandanad village are still inaccessible for rescue workers.

Tamil Nadu IAS officers to donate one day’s salary

The Tamil Nadu IAS officers Association has announced that all officers serving in the state have resolved to donate one day’s salary towards Kerala relief efforts.

Input by Mydeen Abdul Kadar/101Reporters

Senior citizen rescued

A senior citizen who was stranded for the past two days in Madenadu near Madikeri was rescued by villagers.

Input by Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters

Over 154 people rescued by aircraft till now

ANI reports that air rescue has been carried out at many places in Thrissur, Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta. Over 154 people have been rescued till now through aircraft.

Rescue operations on in Chengannur

#Kerala: Indian Navy conducts rescue operation in flood-affected area of Chengannur. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/kWmqFuCED5

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018

Single-click rescue assistance app launched for Kerala

The app will share your location and other details automatically from your phone and register your case immediately. 

rescueapp.in lists all the upcoming rescue requests with map markings from this app.

All Congress MPs, MLAs will donate one month’s salary: AICC

The AICC has announced that all Congress MPs in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha and all Congress MLAs across India will donate one month’s salary toward relief measures in Kerala.

It has also decided to set up Special Relief Committees in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry where all relief material will be collected by Congress workers and sent to Kerala.

Inputs by DA Varghese/101Reporters

Four deaths confirmed from Chengannur

Four deaths have been confirmed from Pandanad in Chengannur. Four more bodies were reportedly spotted by rescue workers floating inside two houses in Pandanad.

Input by Naveen Nair

Authorities in Mandya set up teams to monitor situation

In Karnataka’s Mandya, the district administration has formed teams for round-the-clock monitoring of possible flooding situation at vulnerable areas, besides initiating measures to tackle possible untoward incidents. “We have instructed all the Panchayat Development Officers and Village Accountants to patrol the area besides helping the residents,” a PDO said. The Cauvery has submerged a large tract of agricultural fields and some water pumping stations. Measures will be initiated to repair the pumping stations soon, the officer said.

The assessment of loss is yet to begin. The most affected villages are Byate Thimmana Koppalu, Enne Hole Koppalu and Chaluvarasana Koppalu. Achchappana Koppalu, Ramapura, Doddapalya, Mandya Koppalu and Cauvery Boredevara Thopu are some other villages that are potentially vulnerable. 
Police bandobast has been made at many vulnerable places to prevent people from entering Cauvery to wash clothes and utensils, and for bathing. Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited’s Executive Engineer Basavarajegowda has issued a flood warning to residents of the low-lying areas along the Cauvery and has cautioned people against venturing into the river. “We have asked the people not to graze their cattle near the river,” an Assistant Engineer said. 

Input by Deena D’Silva/101Reporters

Punjab, Karnataka governments donate Rs 10 crore each for flood relief

Speaking to reporters, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “On Rahul Gandhi’s directions, the governments of Punjab and Karnataka have donated Rs 10 crore for assistance to our brethren in Kerala, while the Puducherry government has sent Rs 1 crore. Further, all MPs, MLAs and MLCs will donate one month’s salary.”

श्री @RahulGandhi जी के दिशा निर्देश पर केरल के हमारे भाई-बहनो की मदद के लिए कांग्रेस की पंजाब-कर्नाटक सरकारो ने ₹10-10करोड,पुडुचेरी ने ₹1करोड बाढ राहत के लिए भेजे है।
कांग्रेस के सभी LS-RSसांसद व पूरे देश केMLA-MLC 1महीने का वेतन केरल बाढ राहत के लिए देंगे

-श्री @rssurjewala pic.twitter.com/gO5cstd0Es

— AICC Communications (@AICCMedia) August 18, 2018

BJP’s Shobha Karandlaje flags off lorry containing relief material

A lorry carrying relief materials, including medicines, biscuits, blankets, rice, sarees and sanitary pads to Coorg, was flagged off by Shobha Karandlaje from the BJP party office in Bangalore. She said the party is in touch with the DC of Kodagu to understand their immediate needs. She appealed to the public to donate generously. (Source: BJP Karnataka)

Relief material being collected and sent to Coorg from the Kodava Samaj premises in Bengaluru.

Image sourced by Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters

KSEBL asks employees to undertake restoration work on war footing

A circular by the Kerala State Electricity Board Limited has gone out to all employees asking them to be on a war footing during the restoration and renovation process in bringing their systems back to the pre-flood state. KSEBL has been the worst hit with all its substations, feeder and lines submerged in the flood, including the inundation of small hydel projects, the notice said. The actual loss and damage sustained to KSEBL can only be properly ascertained after the water recedes, it said, asking all employees and officers to defer all personal activities, avoid holidays as much as possible in the coming days.

Defence minister tweets out video of operations conducted by IAF

#KeralaFloodRelief efforts -

The video depicts one of many winching operations that are being executed by the @IAF_MCC in Kerala.

The @IAF_MCC continues to deploy helicopters and fixed wing aircraft to augment rescue operations during #KeralaFloods2018@nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/2QSjiNDnxB

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) August 18, 2018

Situation (in Karnataka) under control: HD Kumaraswamy

“Nearly 60 people are stuck in a village in Kodagu and the Indian Army has reached there. We are arranging helicopters but the weather is not allowing us to fly,” said the Karnataka chief minister.

“Situation is under control, district administration is taking proper care,” ANI further quoted him as saying.

Roads damaged in Palakkad

Due to landslides and floods, many roads have been damaged in Palakkad.

Palakkad: Roads damaged due to landslides and floods caused by heavy and incessant rainfall in the region. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/gE2RZVN7ul

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018

Kerala also battling fake news

Some hours ago, fake news surrounding the fate of the ancient Mullaperiyar Dam in Kerala surfaced on social media, creating panic among people.

Responding to the same, the Chief Minister of Kerala tweeted, alerting people to only rely on official sources.

Karnataka CM announces compensation

ANI reports that Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has announced Rs 5 lakh as compensation for the people who have lost their houses in floods.

Yogi Adityanath announces donation for Kerala

According to ANI , Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has announced Rs 15 crore as donation from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for Kerala.

How to donate for Kerala

There are several ways to donate for the relief efforts in Kerala. From using PayTm to Amazon India, all and any kind of support for the state matters at this time.

Survivors stranded in Pandanad without food or water for four days

A few families stranded for a few days in Pandanad have been rescued. There is seething anger among survivors.

“We have been saved by fishermen from Kollam on their countrymade boats. No one from the government side came to our help. We survived by drinking rain water for four days,” said one of the survivors.

“There are still thousands stranded in Pandanad without food or water for four days. We may see a big human tragedy,” the survivor further said.

Sharjah ruler announces donation of Rs 4 crore for Kerala

Sharjah ruler Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi has joined the Kerala flood relief effort by announcing a donation of Rs 4 crore.

Qasimi’s economic advisor informed media that the amount will be sent to the Kerala government shortly. Earlier, UAE president announced formation of committees to look into providing relief assistance to the affected people.

“The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected,” said the UAE president.

Emergency battery packs prepared by engineering students

Students of Government Engineering College, Barton Hill in Thiruvananthapuram, have prepared emergency battery packs to be sent to flood-affected areas.

Input by DA Varghese/101Reporters

Three shutters of Mullaperiyar dam raised to three feet

Three shutters of Mullaperiyar dam have been raised to three feet after the lake level crossed 141 feet.

According to Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) sources, the water level in the lake was 141.30 feet at 2.00 pm.

The Supreme Court-permitted maximum storage level is 142 feet. The current inflow into the lake is 12,149.37 cusecs, storage 12,569 Mcft and discharge 2,209 cusecs.

Karnataka: Train services suspended due to landslides in Yedakumeri

Heavy rains and strong winds continue in coastal Karnataka. Train services from Bengaluru to Mangaluru/Kannur/Karwar via Hassan remain suspended due to fresh landslides in Yedakumeri.

Charmadi Ghat is open for traffic but the roads are bad and traffic is heavy due to closure of Shirady Ghat road and there have been landslide alerts. Travellers are advised to carry enough food and water. Only Sarige (Red bus) are plying via Charmadi between Mangaluru and Bengaluru.

All other services like Rajahamsa, Ambari, Airavat, etc remain suspended. Mangaluru to Ernakulam/Coimbatore side trains remain suspended after Kuttipuram. While Mangaluru airport is operational, current prices for flights between Bengaluru and Mangaluru are Rs 14,000-18,000 while normal fare is Rs 2,500-4,000.

Inputs by M Raghuram/101Reporters

Meanwhile in Karnataka…

Chief Minister Kumaraswamy instructed that non-stop supply of LPG, petrol and diesel in affected areas should be ensured. Mobile towers that have fallen will have to be repaired and brought back into operation immediately.

More than 800 houses in the district were completely destroyed along with the victims’ records. The CMO instructed the administration to immediately arrange for their documents to be replaced.

Those who have lost their homes will be provided compensation of up to Rs 2 lakh. The CM also ordered a study of how human activity here has contributed to the flooding and landslides. He has suggested stopping any land conversion operations in the Western Ghats.

Finally, he appealed to the public to contribute generously to the Chief Minister’s relief fund.

Inputs by Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters

Heavy rainfall warning for 11 districts

The IMD has issued a heavy rainfall warning for 11 districts in the state on Saturday. According to  The Hindu , the Met Office in Thiruvananthapuram said that Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur districts were most likely to experience heavy rainfall (7 -11 cm in 24 hours).

AAP MLAs, MPs to donate one month salary towards Kerala relief fund

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said, “All AAP MLAs, MPs and ministers donating one month salary for Kerala.”

All AAP MLAs, MPs and ministers donating one month salary for Kerala

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 18, 2018

Armed forces distributed 15,000 food packets till 12 pm, says defence ministry

Fourty-four army, 19 navy, and 12 coast guard motorised boats were deployed for rescue operations on Satuday. Five Mi-17 and three Chetak choppers were also deployed, said the defence ministry. There are 19 rescue teams involved from the armed forces. The ministry also added that till 12 pm, 15,000 food packets were distributed on Saturday. 

Update #KeralaFloodRelief efforts:

Material and equipment crucial for rescue and relief operations in #KeralaFloods provided and additional personnel deployed today morning.

Indian Armed Forces continue to work tirelessly in the relief operation. #IndiaForKerala@nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/cDTe1ij1hD

— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) August 18, 2018

Train services between Ernakulam, Thrissur suspended

Train services between Ernakulam and Thrissur remained suspended on Saturday while most  long-distance trains were diverted via the Nagercoil route. Some place blocked on the Thrissur-Palakkad highway were cleared for traffic, reported News18.

Fisherment to help with rescue efforts

More fishermen from Varkala’s coastal region are moving to flood-affected areas with diving experts to help with rescue efforts.

Input from DA Varghese/101Reporters

21 people rescued by Indian Coast Guard

#KeralaFloods2018 #OPRAHAT @IndiaCoastGuard Aircraft Rescue Team has airlifted 21 stranded people including women,children & senior citizen. Food & medical support have been provided to hundreds of stranded people.The rescue team have saved lives of 106 flood trapped animals too. pic.twitter.com/AxNAWlW0d4

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) August 18, 2018

24-hour control rooms opened to ensure potable water availability

Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has opened 24-hour control rooms in flood-affected areas to ensure drinking water availability. Nodal officers have been appointed in all districts.

Input by DA Varghese/101Reporters

Collection centres across central suburbs of Mumbai (3/3)

Dilshad Nensey                        
102, Shirin Villa Building, 
2nd Floor, Room no. 7/8, 
Opposite Aqsa medical store , 
Shaida Marg, 
Dongri.
Charnull
Ph: 9664043825

MATUNGA

Vipul shah
590/30, Dr BA Road, 
Kapole Niwas, 
Matunga
Ph: 9833260150

SION

Kishin Tejwani, Shri Satyam Stores, Opposite Bhaaji Market and Golden Temple, Koliwada, Sion. Ph: 9833644970

CHEMBUR

Ri Kumar Mody                            
Flat no. 1, 
Neelkanth Nilayam Society, 
Opposite Joy hospital, 
Near Jain Mandir, 
DK Sandhu Marg , 
Chembur East. 
Ph: 8097110000

47 collection centres across Mumbai (2/3)

People can drop off their donations at any of the following collection centres in Mumbai: 

SOUTH MUMBAI

Vidhi Nerav Shah
Luckshy Investments
15,A/1, Supariwala Bldg, 
Ground floor, Prasad Chambers Compound, Opera House, Mumbai 4.
Entry gate from main road next to Roxy Cinema.
Ph: 9821866157

Rupa Pithwa
A/9, 3rd floor,
Utkarsh Building, 
Sikka Nagar,
Behind Modern School.
Ph; 9820510205

Rama Kela 
101 Rushab Apartments,
10th floor,
Dr. Parekh Street,
Opposite HN Hospital,
Next to Girgaum Court,
Prathna Samaj
Ph: 9987766664

Suman Shrivastava
Flat no 6. 2nd floor Shashidhar Apartment 
Dr. Rajab Ali Patel Marg. 
Lane Opposite Breach Candy Hospital.
Breach Candy.
Ph: 9892236193

Ronak Doshi 
72, Sahakar Niwas, 
2nd Floor,
20, Tardeo Road, 
Next to Brand Factory Mall, 
Tardeo
Ph: 9820918030

Charmi Thakkar 
D/2, Venus Apartments,
1st Floor,
RG Thadani Marg,
Near Flora Restaurant,
Worli
Ph: 9820020202

Groceries being airlifted to Kerala from Mumbai (1/3) 

Those willing to donate can give any of the following items at a collection centre near you: 

1. Dry roasted Upma without water (1 or 1/2 kg pack in a zip lock bag)
2. Rice ( 1 kg pack)
3. Tuvar Dal (1 kg pack)
4. Milk powder ( 1/2 kg pack)
5. Sugar (1 kg pack)

Collection will take place on 19 August (Sunday) and 20 August, 2018 (Monday) only.

Kerala health department introduces medical helpline

The Kerala health department has introduced a medical helpline (9946992995) with 30 lines for the flood-hit regions, reported The Hindu . The helpline has been launched in collaboration with the Ernakulam General Hospital, and is for connecting those who need in of urgent medical help and get in touch with bed-ridden patients who cannot be moved to the nearest hospital.

A relief material collection centre operated by Thiruvananthapuram Corporation

Image courtesy: VS Prashant

Karnataka: EC defers town panchayat elections in Virajpet, Kushalnagar, Somwarpet

The Election Commission has deferred town panchayat elections of Virajpet, Kushalnagar and Somwarpet which were due to be held on 29 August. The letter states that the officer in charge of elections has evoked the provisions of Karnataka Municipal Council’s act 1971 clause 3(1) and has postponed the elections to Somwarpet, Virajpet and Kushalnagar till further notifice.

Input by Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters

Flood situation improves in Chalakudy

According to  The Hindu , the flood situation has improved in Chalakudy where the water level in the Chalakudy river has reduced following no rainfall for sometime. Flood waters have also begun receding from Chalakudy town.

Congress demands Kerala floods be declared a national disaster

Demanding that the Kerala floods be declared as a national disaster, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said, “In Kerala, there has been a damage worth Rs 2000-3000 crores.” 

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday that the state suffered losses worth Rs 19,512 crore as per initial estimates.

Red alert issued for nine out of 14 districts

The IMD has issued a Red Alert in nine districts of the 14 districts, mostly in the central and northern regions of Kerala, on Friday. They are the worst-hit districts like Pathanamthitta, Alazppuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Paalakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur. Heavy rain has been forecast in all these districts. Heavy rain accompanied with gusty wind speed reaching 60 kmph is expected in Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Malappuram and Wayanad districts.

Visuals of flooded houses in Chengannur district

Visuals of flooding and submerged houses from Chengannur. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/ldG0zAp28J

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018

Kerala received 619.5 mm rainfall from1-16 August

According to the IMD, the state received 619.5 mm rainfall this month, till 16 August. Normally it should have been 244.1 mm. “The intensity of rainfall has decreased now. There won’t be extremely heavy rains anymore but heavy rains will continue for two days,” IMD scientist S Devi told ANI.

Bihar, Haryana and Odisha announce aid 

The governments of Bihar and Haryana have announced aid of Rs 10 crore each towards the Kerala floods relief fund. Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik also announced Rs 5 crores for the flood-hit areas in the southern stae. He also stated that 245 fire personnel with boats will be sent to Kerala for rescue operations.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has announced an aid of Rs 10 crores for flood-hit Kerala. #KeralaFloods (File pic) pic.twitter.com/qiNRwwxFMG

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announces an aid of Rs 10 crores for flood-hit Kerala from Bihar Chief Minister Relief Fund. #KeralaFloods (File pic) pic.twitter.com/YK5Ss9BssC

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018

Police keep a check on spread of fake news

To clamp down on false news spread through social media, Kerala Police initiated action against those involved in propagating false alerts about the floods in the state, reported  The Hindu . The police took the action based on Cyberdome’s report that people were spreading fake news through various social media sites claiming the Mullaperiyar dam collapsed. Cyberdome also took about Youtube videos and Facebook posts which were false and could lead to panic among people.

Karnataka: CM HD Kumaraswamy undertakes aerial survey

Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy begins his aerial survey of Coorg. The number of relief centres has increased to 30 in Coorg and nine new ones have been set up in Dakshina Kannada. 

Image courtesy: CMO

Centre providing all assistance to Kerala, says Narendra Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured that all possible assistance is being provided to Kerala by the Centre. “This includes financial assistance, providing food grains and medicines. We have asked the NHAI, NTPC, PGCIL to render all possible assistance and cater to basic infrastructure needs in the wake of the floods,” he said, in a series of tweets. 

Modi also said that rescuing those who are trapped was the topmost priority. “NDRF teams, companies of BSF, CISF and RAF are deployed in the state for rescue and relief operations. The Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard are assisting operations in different parts of Kerala,” he added. 

Centre is providing all possible assistance to Kerala. This includes financial assistance, providing food grains and medicines. We have asked the NHAI, NTPC, PGCIL to render all possible assistance and cater to basic infrastructure needs in the wake of the floods.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018

The Central Government is ensuring that the benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, MGNREGA, various social security schemes, Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture reach those affected on a priority basis in Kerala.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018

NDRF teams, companies of BSF, CISF and RAF are deployed in the state for rescue and relief operations.

The Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard are assisting operations in different parts of Kerala.

Rescuing those who are trapped remains the topmost priority.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018

Asked PM for more helicopters and boats, says Vijayan

“The prime minister conducted aerial survey to get first-hand knowledge about the floods. Our helicopter could not go to some places due to inclement weather. He has announced Rs 500crore and all possible help. We thanked him and demanded more helicopters and boats,” Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.

Pinarayi Vijayan urges Modi to allocate more rice to Kerala due to acute shortage

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the state may face acute shortage of rice as the stocks in many godowns have been destroyed in the flood. He has urged Modi to allocate more rice to the state in view of the unprecedented situation. He said that the prime minister had promised to take necessary action.

Rescue efforts in Chengannur ongoing on ‘war-footing’: CMO

The Chief Minister’s Office in Kerala tweeted that efforts to rescue were on a war-footing basis in Chengannur district, which is one of the worst affected regions in the state. “4 helicopters, 5 military boats & 65 fishing boats are part of operations. Four 100-member strong army teams have been deployed. Food is being supplied using helicopters,” it said, in a tweet. 

Update on Chengannur; Attempts to rescue the stranded are on a war-footing basis. 4 helicopters, 5 military boats & 65 fishing boats are part of operations. Four 100-member strong army teams have been deployed. Food is being supplied using helicopters.#KeralaFloods

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 18, 2018

Situation grave in Kerala, says Pinarayi Vijayan

“We made the situation very clear in front of the prime minister. The prime minister has announced Rs 500cr more than what was announced earlier (Rs 100cr). The situation is grave in Kerala. We must stand together. The prime minister has understood the situation very well. The Revenue Department officials were also there with us (during the meeting),” explained Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while speaking to reporters. 

He also said the state is dealing with an “unprecedented disaster”. “We have been promised more helicopters… This is the problem with you media people, you are always thinking negatively. We are getting all possible help,” asserted Vijayan.

Karnataka: Army reaches Coorg to expedite rescue ops

Armed forces have reached Coorg to expedite the rescue efforts. Sixty personnel of the Dogra Regiment of the Indian Army, 73 boats and other rescue equipment from the Indian Army Engineering task force, 12 expert divers and surface rescuers with rafts from the Indian Navy, 30-member NDRF and 30-member SDRF teams in addition to over 250 civil defence and fire and rescue personnel are either already there, or en route. An Indian Air Force mission that was aborted on Friday due to inclement weather is expected to begin on Saturday from Mysuru.

Input by Coovercolly Indresh/101Reporters

Indian Army constructs 13 bridges to connect to 38 remote areas

The Indian Army, which is actively involved in the rescue and relief efforts in Kerala, constructed 13 bridges in order to establish connection with 38 remote areas in the state, which has been hit severely by floods. According to the army, 3,627 persons have been rescued till date, including 22 foreign nationals. 

#Update #KeralaFloods2018 Indian Army has made 13 temporary bridges to reconnect 38 remote areas, total of 3627 personnels have been rescued till date, including 22 foreign nationals. #OpMadad #KeralaFloodRelief @PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD @HQ_IDS_India pic.twitter.com/Or2e03YdUC

— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 18, 2018

Meanwhile, 26,000 litres of milk sent to Coorg

Hassan Milk Federation has sent 26,000 litres of milk and 3,000 biscuit packs to Coorg following a special effort by minister HD Revanna.

Input by Coovercooly Indresh/101Reporters

‘Saddened by loss of lives and destruction,’ says UN

United Nations is observing the situation in flood-affected Kerala. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN was saddened by the loss of lives and the destruction due to the Kerala floods and said the world organisation is following the situation very closely. He told reporters on Friday that the government of India has not sought any assistance from the organisation so far. He pointed out that India has quite a well-operating machinery to deal with natural disasters, adding that their country team was following the situation closely and was in touch with partners on the ground.

Medicines worth Rs 1 crore dispatched from Tamil Nadu

Over Rs 1 crore-worth medicines have been dispatched from Tamil Nadu towards relief efforts in Kerala. These are being transported from Coimbatore through Palakkad and from Tirunelveli through Trivandrum. Deputy health directors from the districts bordering Kerala have also been directed to help with the medical needs of those on the other side.

Input by Mydeen Abdul Kadar/101Reporters

Traders hoarding foodgrains in Idukki

Complaints regarding hoarding of foodgrains and other essential items by traders are coming from Idukki, which is almost cut off from the rest of the state following extensive damage to roads leading up to the district. Prices of the essential items have shot up in many places after supplies from outside were disrupted. Only limited items are coming into Ernakulam via Neriyamanagalm. Reports from Idukki said people in many isolated areas were passing days without food.

Haryana, Odisha announce relief packages

Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar announced Rs 10 in aid, while Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik also announced a financial package worth Rs 5 crore.

Salute the people of Kerala: Narendra Modi

I salute the people of Kerala for their fighting spirit. I compliment the authorities for their efforts in this adverse situation.

I would also like to appreciate the wide support and solidarity from people across India towards Kerala during this unprecedented situation.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 18, 2018

Today is the last chance to be saved alive for many: Shashi Tharoor

I trust that @PMOIndia will urgently deploy more army, navy , airforce & NDRF to Kerala. Rescue is the priority. @indiannavy helicopters are doing a great job. For many, today is the last chance to be saved alive. Relief assistance is coming but that's for those already rescued.

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 18, 2018

Karnataka: Rescued flood victims in arrive at a relief camp in Cherambane near Madikeri

Seventeen relief camps have been set up in the region which is currently hosting 573 people who have been rescued. In the three days between 14 and 17 August, nearly 100 kilometres of roads have been damaged, 3,000 electric poles/conductors/transformers have collapsed, and 58 bridges and culverts have become unnavigable.

Boats pressed into action unable to negotiate areas with strong currents

Boats pressed into rescue operations are facing it difficult to negotiate areas where there is strong water flow. Several boats have hit walls and damaged at Pandanad in Pathanamthitta district. Boats are not able to reach the MRM school, where many remain stranded, due to heavy current. People in the areas have not been able to contact government authorities.

Local private bus services in Calicut join the flood fight

The Attoli Bus Owners Society Sangam (ABOS) has said bus fares collected will go to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Bus conductors in buses running in the routes of Attoli to Calicut town have replaced the traditional conductor purses with collection buckets. Passengers can contribute from the minimum ticket fare to any amount they desire. Tickets are not issued for this relief ride. Around 30 buses are taking part in this process, and all collections from the day will go into the CMRF.

Prime Minister Modi promises Centre’s assistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to repair main national highways damaged due to floods on priority. The Central Public Sector like NTPC and PGCIL have also been directed to be available to render all possible assistance to the state government in restoring power lines. Villagers, whose kutcha houses have been destroyed in the devastating floods, would be provided ‘Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin’ houses on priority, irrespective of their priority in the Permanent Wait List of PMAY-G.

Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, 5.5 crore person days have been sanctioned in the labour Budget for 2018-19. Any further request for incurring person days would be considered as per the requirement projected by the state. Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, farmers would be provided assistance for replantation of damaged horticulture crops.

IAF commadore engaged in rescue ops bemoans lack of understanding

Indian Air Force commodore PK Sreekumar, who is engaged in rescue operations at Mannar, says there is lack of understanding about ground realities in places where urgent attention is required, resulting in a chaotic situation for coordination. “No government agency is seen in Pandanad region where hundreds are stranded. We need more boats. Not a single boat has come from administrative side,” he said.

Kerala SOS: Two elderly persons stuck in Chengannur

Two elderly persons Raju Varghese Madathileth (66) and Aleyamma (65) are stuck in their house in Venmony of Chengannur district. Their phone about to die soon. Water has flooded the ground level. They are unable to reach rescue centre. They have been stuck in their house for two days now.

Coordinates: 9.2459750, 76.6216660; contact: +91954406161, +917025759484

More NDRF and ETF teams airlifted from Pune; to be deployed to Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha

More units of the National Disaster Response Forces (NDRF) and Engineering Task Force (ETF) wing of the Indian Army have been airlifted from Pune in two AN 32 aircrafts and one IL-76 aircraft, one of the biggest aircrafts in the Indian Air Force. They have been deployed to Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. More forces are being airlifted from Jodhpur, Bhopal and Pune as well.

Input by Sudeep Sebastian/101Reporters

‘Future of millions at stake’: Rahul Gandhi

Shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sanctioned Rs 500cr as interim relief for Kerala, Congress president Rahul Gandhi asked him to declare the floods as a national calamity. “Please declare #Kerala floods a National Disaster without any delay. The lives, livelihood and future of millions of our people is at stake,” he said in a tweet. 

Dear PM,

Please declare #Kerala floods a National Disaster without any delay. The lives, livelihood and future of millions of our people is at stake.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) August 18, 2018

PM directs insurance companies to hold special camps for assessment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed insurance companies to hold special camps for assessment and timely release of compensation to the affected families/beneficiaries under Social Security Schemes. The directions have also been issued for early clearance of claims under Fasal Bima Yojna to agriculturists.

Fishermen advised to avoid Arabian sea over Karnataka, North Kerala coasts

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea over Karnataka, North Kerala coasts, over Lakshadweep area and Southwest and central Arabian sea.

High waves in the range of 3.6 – 4.0 meters are forecasted till 11.30 pm on 18 August along the coast of Karnataka from Mangaluru to Karwar and 3.5 – 4.2 meters along the coast of Lakshadweep Islands from Minicoy to Bitra, as per the IMD. Sea condition is likely to be rough to very rough over Southwest and central Arabian sea.

Modi announces ex-gratia Rs lakh per person to kin of deceased

Prime Minister has announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh per person to the next kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Funds (PMNRF).

Red alert issued in Ernakulam, Idukki districts today

IMD has issued Red Alert in Ernakulam and Idukki districts on Saturday. While Ernakulam is witnessing heavy rain, Idukki will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall. The IMD said that strong winds mainly from westerly direction speed, occasionally reaching 35-45 kmph gusting to 60 kmph, likely along and off Karnataka coast, North Kerala coast and over Lakshadweep area for the next 12 hours. Strong winds from westerly direction speed occasionally reaching 35-45 kmph gusting to 55 kmph likely along and off south Kerala coast.

Visuals of Narendra Modi undertaking the aerial survey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accompanied by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor P. Sathasivam and Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons during aerial survey of flood affected areas. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/s0LB2Z9J3q

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018

Situation in Kerala to remain grim as heavy rains to continue today

The flood situation in Kerala will remain as it is as weather forecasting agencies predicted heavy rainfall across the state. The IMD , however, predicted that rainfall will reduce marginally from Sunday onwards in the state. 

Weather Forecast for August 18: #Kerala #floods to remain grim, heavy rain In #Gujarat, West #MadhyaPradesh, Southeast #Rajasthan @Kerala_News @EtvGujaratiNews @News18MP pic.twitter.com/cknUzyjlsN

— Skymet (@SkymetWeather) August 17, 2018

Kerala suffers damage of Rs 19,512cr; PM offers Rs 500cr as interim relief

The state of Kerala has so far incurred a loss of Rs 19,512 crore as damage to life and property. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered Rs 500 crore as interim relief. The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had reportedly informed Modi that the loss estimated by the state government was Rs 20,000 crores. The state government had demanded Rs1,000 crore as interim relief. 

With inputs from Rabeeha Abdurahiman and TK Devasia

List of District Rescue helpline numbers

Ramesh Chennithala urges Kerala govt to hand over relief ops to army

Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala has urged Kerala government to hand over the rescue and relief operations to the army. He said that the current situation was not one that IAS officers can manage. The situation calls for people who are experienced and equipped. He also said that he has taken up the matter with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The state government should shed its fall prestige and give importance to the lives of the people. Thousands of people are marooned in many places crying to save their lives,” he said.

KSRTC to restart services from today

The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation will restart more of its services from Saturday onwards. Buses from Kozhikode to Thrissur and Kannur are already plying. The state buses are also running from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam via Alapuzha. However, there are no buses to Thrissur or Kozhikode from Thiruvananthapuram.

SBI donates Rs 2cr to relief fund, waives charges on services provided by bank in Kerala

The State Bank of India (SBI) has donated Rs 2 crore to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) and announced a waiver of fees and charges on services offered by the bank in Kerala, reported ANI.

Visual of Modi conducting a review meet in Kochi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be seen chairing the high-level review meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union minister KJ Alphons and army and naval teams in Kochi on Saturday. 

RAILWAY UPDATE: Special trains towards Howrah, New Delhi

Towards Howrah: 

An Express special will start from Thiruvananthapuram Central at 17:00 hrs and run via Nagercoil, Tirunelveli, Chennai Egmore, Gudur to Howrah. Reservation available for this train.

 
Towards New Delhi:

Train no 12625 Thiruvananthapuram-New Delhi Kerala Express leaving Thiruvananthapuram Central at 11.15 hrs will run via Nagercoil town-Tirunelveli-Madurai-Dindigul-Erode.

RAILWAY UPDATE: Trains diverted from Kollam, Ernakulam

Towards Chennai Egmore

A passenger special train, operating from Ernakulam Jn (08:00 hrs) via Alappuzha will connect passengers from Kollam Jn by 16724 Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram-Chennai Egmore Ananthapuri Express.

A passenger special will start from Thiruvananthapuram Central at 11:30 hrs towards Ernakulam Jn via Alappuzha, On arrival at Ernakulam Jn it will operate as a special express towards Chennai Egmore via Alappuzha, Thiruvananthapuram- Nagercoil town-Tirunelveli-Madurai

RAILWAY UPDATE: Special passenger trains provided (1/3)

Connectivity for long distance trains on 18.08.18

The passenger specials will provide connectivity for passengers between Ernakulam Junction and Thiruvananthapuram to travel towards Chennai Egmore, KSR Bengaluru and Howrah.

Towards Bengaluru:

At 11:30 hrs, a passenger special will start from Ernakulam Jn via Alappuzha and stop at all stations up to Thiruvananthapuram Central.

This train will connect passengers to 16316 Kochuveli-KSR Bengaluru Express at Kochuveli (16:45 hrs), which is operating via Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil town-Tirunelveli-Madurai-Dindigul-Erode.

RAILWAY UPDATE: Some trains suspended

Thiruvananthapuram-Alappuzha-Ernakulam: Trains operating.
Kayamkulam-Kottayam-Ernakulam Jn/Ernakulam North. Services suspended up to 16:00 hrs on 18.08.18.
Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil-Tirunelveli: Trains operating.
Kollam-Punalur-Senkottai: Services suspended till further notice

Rate of water discharged through Idukki, Idamalayar dams reduced

The water discharged from Idukki dam, which was 1,500 cubic metres per second (cumecs) so far, has been reduced by 1,000 cumecs at 7 am on Saturday. The 1,400 cumecs water discharged in Idamalayar dam has been reduced by 400 cumecs. This might reduce the water level in Periyar river by SAturday afternoon.

Narendra Modi sanctions Rs 500 crore as interim relief

After the high-level review meeting between Modi, Vijayan and army and naval rescue teams concluded, the prime minister has reportedly sanctioned Rs 500 crore as interim relief for Kerala. More details awaited.

PM’s helicopter takes off for aerial survey again as weather clears

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s chopper has taken off from Kochi to conduct an aerial survey of the flood-ravaged state. Earlier on Saturday morning, the prime minister had to abandon the aerial recce due to inclement weather.

Toll rises to 324

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in the “worst floods in 100 years”, at least 324 lives have been lost in Kerala so far. On Friday, over 80,000 persons, stranded in various places, were rescued, of whom 71,000 were from one of the worst affected Aluva region of Ernakulam district.

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

Review meeting with Vijayan over

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s review meeting with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and other officials is over. Modi will likely go for an aerial survey and depart from the flood-ravaged state after his survey is over, reported News18.

Modi holds high-level meet with army, navy teams

Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be chairing a review meeting with the army and naval rescue teams in Kochi.

The Prime Minister is reviewing the flood situation in Kerala at a high-level meeting. @CMOKerala pic.twitter.com/3VNq0ehSry

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 18, 2018

2,198 people rescued so far, says Indian Coast Guard

Rescue teams continue to evacuate stranded people in Kerala. According to the Indian Coast Guard, 2,198 people have been rescued so and 6,310 marooned guided to safer location. The coast guard also added that 21 boats have been hired for Saturday for distributing food material. 

#KeralaFloods2018 #OPRAHAT @IndiaCoastGuard Rescue teams continue to evacuate people tirelessly to mitigate the misery.2198 people rescued so far & guided 6310 marooned people to safer locations. 21 additional boats hired today for distribution of food materials @DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/wDF0302VsP

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) August 18, 2018

WATCH: RAF personnel distribute relief material in Palakkad

​

Rapid Action Force personnel can be seen distributing relief material to people stranded in Mangalam Dam village in Palakkad. 

#WATCH: Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel distribute relief material to stranded people in flood affected Palakkad's Mangalam Dam village. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/2WvqDsflrn

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018

How to donate to CM’s relief fund

People can donate money to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund; here’s how: 

Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund
A/c no.: 67319948232 
Bank: State Bank of India  
IFSC code: SBIN0070028
SWIFT CODE: SBININBBT08

For the people of Kerala, the road to recovery is going to be a long one. Your help no matter how small will be a step to restore normalcy. Donate to:

Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund
NO: 67319948232
Bank: State Bank of India  
IFSC : SBIN0070028
SWIFT CODE : SBININBBT08 pic.twitter.com/cbsFwRplsG

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 17, 2018

Stranded people turn to social media to reach out to loved ones, mobilise relief

Jithin James Pallipatt, a Keralite studying in Gujarat, was shocked to hear that his family was stranded in Kerala with no supplies or means of transport. Three families, comprising 15 people, were stuck in a house, with water level constantly rising in the Meloor district of Thrissur in southern Kerala.

To seek help for his family, Jithin joined Twitter for the first time and started tweeting, pleading for assistance. Though his multiple appeals, retweeted by many, bore no results for more than two days, his family was eventually found and is now safe.

Jithin is among the many people who have turned towards social media platforms to seek help for their family members stranded in what is being termed as Kerala’s worst floods in over a century. On Friday evening, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the deluge had left at least 324 people dead and displaced over 2.2 lakh others.

Read entire article here

Narendra Modi meets Pinarayi Vijayan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently chairing a meeting in Kochi with Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union minister KJ Alphons and other officials, after his aerial survey was called off due to inclement weather. 

Both Modi and Vijayan are camping at the naval base since they can’t continue with the recce.

Kerala SOS: Five persons missing in Pandanad

GPS: 9.3240297, 76.582582.  (Five persons including an elderly) Near Kulangara Thrikkai temple, Pandanad, Chengannur. No contact from 16 August morning.  Ph. 8547534698 (switched off).

Heavy rain makes rescue ops tougher in Chengannur

Rescue operations began in Chengannur as early as 5.30 am on Saturday. But heavy rain and rapid waters due to heavy turbulence is making the rescue slow and tough. More than 1,500 families are reported to be stranded in the area on rooftops. At least 100 families in Thiruvanmandoor. Edanad, Pandanad and Mangalam are stranded in the worst affected areas of Chengannur. Attempts are being made to reach the marooned and supply food water and medicines. This is the fourth day people in the area are living without food and water.

Nelliyampathy isolated from rest of Kerala due to landslides in 40 places

Nelliyampathy in Palakkad district is now completely isolated from the state due to landslides in over 40 places. Plantation workers are mostly reside here and are presently stuck. Water and food has not reached the location. Nelliyampathy MLA K Babu has requested for the army’s help.

​RECAP: Pregnant woman delivers baby soon after being airlifted by navy from Ernakulam district

A pregnant woman , stranded in one of the worst flood-hit areas of Kerala, had developed complications with a ruptured amniotic sac. The two lives remained in danger till help came out of the blue — literally.

Sajita Jabil, 25, was stuck on the rooftop of her house in Aluva a submerged region of Kerala’s Ernakulam district — when she heard the rattling of chopper blades. It was an Indian Navy chopper that had flown especially to rescue and end her nightmare.

A doctor was first lowered from the chopper to examine her condition before she was airlifted and taken to Sanjivani multi-specialty hospital in Alappuzha district.

Almost half an hour later, the woman delivered a baby boy.

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

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

— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 17, 2018

Rescue boat in Thiruvalla missing

A rescue boat in Thiruvalla went missing as per the reports received on Saturday morning from the Karthikappalli tehsildar. Around eight fishermen and two firemen were there in the boat.

Two dead in Chalakudy

Two more people stuck in Divine Retreat Centre in Muringoor, Chalakudy have died. Rescue operation teams are not able to provide food and water at the Centre, where around 1,500 people have been stuck for three days. So far only 100 people are rescued. The people stuck here have mental health issues and the lack of medicine may worsen the situation.

Indian Coast Guard deploys 30 rescue teams

In a photo shared by the Indian Coast Guard, 30 rescue and relief teams have been deployed in Kerala so far. 

#KeralaFloods2018 #OPRAHAT @IndiaCoastGuard goes all out to mobilize additional resources & manpower. Deployment of 30 Rescue & Relief team as of now @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @CMOKerala @DG_PIB . pic.twitter.com/PoDKF59UOi

— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) August 18, 2018

Narendra Modi cancels aerial survey due to bad weather

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was forced to cancel the aerial survey due to inclement weather, reported News18. Due to heavy rains, the helicopter is not being able to lift off. The weather condition was forced the helicopter to return to the naval airport.

ITBP personnel rescue more than 500 affected

More than 500 people were rescued by ITBP personnel from flood-hit Alleppey and Pathanamthitta on Friday, reported ANI. 

Thousands of people are still perched on high-rise buildings waiting to be rescued and taken to relief camps. Over 50,000 people are lodged in the Ernakulam and Thrissur camps alone.

Thrissur records highest number of deaths so far

As per details released by the Disaster Management State Control Room on Friday, Thrissur district recorded the highest number of deaths (42) in Kerala so far since rains ravaged the state from 8 August. The district also registered the highest number of missing persons (19). However, Wayanad district showed the maximum damage to houses, worth Rs 4.81 crore, followed closely by Palakkad and estimated crop losses were massively high in Malappuram compared to other districts.. 

Input by Deepu Aby Varghese/101Reporters

Narendra Modi in Kochi to take stock of situation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kochi on Saturday morning to take stock of the flood situation in Kerala. He earlier left from Thiruvananthapuram to conduct an aerial survey. 

PM @narendramodi arrived in Kochi, where he will take stock of the unfortunate flood situation across Kerala. pic.twitter.com/UHGvWBqa8o

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) August 18, 2018

Aerial visuals of floods in Kalady as rain continues to lash state

Waters from the Periyar river and its tributaries kept many towns in Ernakulam and Thrissur districts submerged. The worst affected include Paravur, Kalady, Chalakudy, Perumbavoor and Muvatupuzha.

#WATCH: Aerial visual of flooded Kalady as rain continues to lash the state. #KeralaFloods (17.08.18) pic.twitter.com/lhu4oR50H7

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018

4,800 people rescued in past 9 days

Around 700 soldiers along with specialised engineering task forces carrying boats and specialised equipment are on ground and have rescued around 4,800 people in the past nine days, said Brigadier Arun CG. “I assure that we’ll work day and night till Kerala comes back to normal,” he told ANI.

221 motorised boats, 7 non-motorised boats used for rescue ops

As per a tweet by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the navy, army and coast guard combined are using 221 motorised boats and seven non-motorised boats for the ongoing search and rescue operations in Kerala. 

Update #OpMadad:

In order to rescue & move people from flood-affected regions to safer locations and relief camps, around 221 motorised and 7 non-motorised boats from @adgpi , @indiannavy & @IndiaCoastGuard have been deployed in Kerala as on date.#KeralaFloods @nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/QJtwJ6cm7F

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reaches Kochi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrives in Kochi. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/188CsnTZ3L

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018

UAE PM extends support for people in Kerala

Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in a series of tweets extended help and support for the people of Kerala. “UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative,” he said. 

UAE and the Indian community will unite to offer relief to those affected. We have formed a committee to start immediately. We urge everyone to contribute generously towards this initiative. pic.twitter.com/7a4bHadWqa

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 17, 2018

The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected, especially during this holy and blessed days pic.twitter.com/ZGom5A6WRy

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 17, 2018

The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE. We have a special responsibility to help and support those affected, especially during this holy and blessed days pic.twitter.com/ZGom5A6WRy

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 17, 2018

 Twitterati slam national media for ignoring ravaged state, ask why is it not a ’national calamity’ yet

The silence on part of the national media, coming just a few months after a video featuring Priya Prakash Varrier winking in a Malayalam movie went viral, makes many on social media question the nation’s priorities when it comes to the state. With posts featuring the hashtag #KeralaFloodsNeedNationalDisasterTag, people, though aware of the efforts put in by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), ask why the state isn’t part of national priorities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state on Friday evening was also met with criticism. “Why is it decided that only once the prime minister visits will the nation know about the crisis? Is it because national headlines about Kerala must feature his statements?” wrote Naseel Voici, writer at Manaorama Online on his Facebook page.

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Modi to chair meet in Kochi after aerial survey

On Saturday, the prime minister will leave Raj Bhavan for an aerial recce of the affected areas along with Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan at 7 am, following which he will chair a meeting in Kochi at 9.39 am. He is expected to leave for Delhi by 10.30 am.

Narendra Modi leaves for aerial survey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala’s capital Thiruvananthapuram late on Friday evening. He left the state capital on Saturday to take stock of the flood situation in Kerala through an aerial survey.

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PM Narendra Modi leaves from Thiruvananthapuram for an aerial survey of flood-affected areas of Kochi. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/CWdg2vzjwq

— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018