Worst floods in a century kill at least 324 people in Kerala, thousands still trapped
The southern Indian state of Kerala is suffering from a natural disaster the likes of which it has not seen in nearly a century.
The state, which received massive amounts of rains in a few days, is suffering from flash floods almost throughout. It has resulted in the stranding of thousands of people atop roofs without enough food and water.
Although incessant rains are making rescue efforts difficult, the territorial army has been pressed into service.
Update: Rescue operations are progressing well even in an inclement weather. A total of 82,442 rescues were made today. 3,14,391 people from 70,085 families are safe in 2094 camps across the State. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/puHkqQ94UQ
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 17, 2018
Although the current floods have taken the lives of 164 people, more that 320 have died since the start of the monsoon season three months ago.
More than 200,000 have so far been transferred to relief camps and the state’s chief minister has sought military reinforcements to boost rescue efforts, reported Gulf Times.
As the water levels rose, many people have found it increasingly hard to access food and other basic amenities, or to reach safety.
“In some areas, airlifting is the only option... thousands are still marooned,” said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Those who wish to donate money to the Chief Minister’s Relief fund can do so now.
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
Some money exchanges have made it easy to transfer money, waiving off money transfer charges altogether.
During the current monsoon, Kerala has been hit with over a third more rain than average.
Further heavy rainfall has been forecast for most parts of the state on Saturday, and authorities said they planned to implement controlled releases of water from dams to manage flows and minimise damage.
A Reuters witness in a relief helicopter in Chengannur, a town in southern Kerala, saw people stranded on roof tops and waving desperately for help.
“The town looked like an island dotted with houses and cars submerged in muddy flood waters and downed coconut trees,” he said.
I am a Doc,working in Qatar,now in Kerala and am co-coordinating rescue operations.The situation on the ground is very grave and appalling. As of today,the weather is stable but the inflow of rain water to the catchment areas to the Dams are still steady.The state is still reeling under shock at this unprecedented tragedy.The unity and resilience of the people are to be appreciated .Relief camps are doing a great job.But there is an acute shortage of Clothes,Linen and Medicines. I humbly request all our Qatari Friend's and expats to pitch in through Qatar Charity and help Kerala,at this moment of need. For the info of people who are travelling down here,the Kochi International Airport will remain closed,till 26th as of now.Certain Domestic flights are scheduled to commence,from the Naval Airport at Willingdon Island,Kochi,from today.
https://www.qcharity.org/en/qa/campaign?campaignId=178
#StandWithKerala
#LetsJoinHandsTogetherToRebuildTheLIves
#Donate to https://t.co/FjYFEdOsyl #StandWithKerala.
#StandWithKerala