August 10, 2019
It has been only a year since Kerala recovered from heavy rains and floods
that lashed across the state killing hundreds of people. This year too, a
similar flood like situation has hit the state killing 43 people
in two days. Many people are reportedly missing. By Friday evening, districts
in Northern Kerala were fully submerged under water. Kerala Chief Minister
Pinarayi Vijayan called for a meeting with higher officials
of the state to review the situation. Red alert has been issued
in most of the districts. Holiday has been declared for all educational
institutions in the state until further notice.
Conducted a Review Meeting of the disaster management activities of
#KeralaFloods. Heavy rain has increased across most parts of the State. Red
alert has been issued for 9 districts in North and Central Kerala, 3
districts in Central Kerala are under Orange alert and remaining 2 southern
districts are issued yellow alert-Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister
of Kerala.
Idukki, Malappuram, Wayanad, Kozhikode and Palakkad are some
of the worst-hit areas. Many houses were completely isolated in the floods
and landslides. The army and NDRF are working together to rescue those who
are stranded. Officials said that people in the state must come together to
rescue any human or animal who is seen stuck in the floods.
“The flood situation in my parliamentary constituency, #Wayanad is grim.
I’m monitoring the situation closely & have spoken to the Kerala CM and
key Govt officials to expedite relief. I will be reaching out to PM Modi as
well to brief him & request Central Govt. assistance”, tweeted Congress
President Rahul Gandhi.
Kochi airport has suspended their services till Sunday evening
since the runway has been fully submerged under water. Authorities confirmed
that they would re-open the airport only until all the water has been taken
out and runway is clear and safe.
“#KochiAirport closed due to heavy rains and flooding of taxiway.
Operations suspended at the Kochi International Airport till 11th August
(Sunday), 3 pm”, tweeted Journalist Sreedhar Pillai.
Last year, fishermen had rescued thousands of stranded people across the
state in the devastating floods. This year too, the government had to seek
their help to carry on with rescue activities. But most of it had to be
stopped in many parts on Friday due to incessant rains and extreme weather
conditions.
Weather forecast has predicted heavy rains in most parts of the state till
Sunday. The death toll is also expected to rise.
Source: https://newzhook.com/story/heavy-rains-floods-across-kerala-death-toll-rises
