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Kerala floods: Indian Prime Minister Modi visits inundated state, announces financial help

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 18 Aug 2018, 07:07 am Print

Kerala floods: Indian Prime Minister Modi visits inundated state, announces financial help

Thiruvananthapuram: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the southern state of Kerala, which is presently inundated, caused by heavy rains.

The calamity has accounted for over 300 lives and has displaced over 200,000 people.

Visiting the state, Modi chaired a high level talks with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in Kochi.

Following which, he announced a financial package of Rs 500 crore (5 billion) for the flood hit state.

The Prime Minister also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to kins of the deceased.

At least 324 people have died so far due to incessant rain-caused flood.

Modi also took stock of the situation via an aerial survey.

The flood is the worst to hit the state in the last 100 years, the Chief Minister of the state said via a tweet.

"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://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov.in  #StandWithKerala."

Reacting to the situation, Rahul Gandhi, the president of Indian's prime opposition party, Congress, has urged Modi to declare the flood as a national disaster.

"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,"Gandhi tweeted.

Meanwhile, the flood rescue operation is being overseen by the Indian Army, which has deployed around 650 personnel, who are working in 10 different places in a team of 65 each.

"In addition to the 10 flood relief columns, 10 Engineer Task Forces (ETF) each having an approximate strength of 40 personnels from Jodhpur, Bhopal, Pune, Bangalore and Secunderabad have been pressed into action. Army is also utilising 53 military boats to evacuate civilians from flood affected areas," an official statement from the Indian government read.

"Inspite of continuous and heavy rains, Indian Army columns are working round the clock to restore connectivity to remote villages by constructing temporary foot bridges, bunds and preparing alternate routes. 13 temporary bridges were constructed to reconnect 38 remote areas and total of 3627 personnels have been rescued till date, which include 22 foreign nationals.

"Relief materials have been sent to 19 villages with medical aid being provided to approximately 500 civilians till date. In addition 3000 pre-cooked meals and 300 life jackets have been handed over to civil administration on 17 Aug 2018," the statement added.