HIGHLIGHTS: Centre declares Kerala floods 'calamity of severe nature'
About 10,000 people are likely to be rescued by Monday in Kerala where rain-induced floods have claimed over 200 lives in the last 10 days, officials said.
Published: 20th August 2018 08:52 AM | Last Updated: 21st August 2018 07:35 AM | A+A A-
Aerial photo of Kerala floods. (Photo | PTI).
About 10,000 people are likely to be rescued by Monday in Kerala where rain-induced floods have claimed over 200 lives in the last 10 days, officials said. About 38,000 people have been rescued so far.
"A total of 8,46,680 people are in 3,734 camps, and rescue operations are in last stages. Rehabilitation is our next target," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Sunday, on the worst floods the state has faced since 1924.
The maximum death toll has been reported from Idukki district, where 43 people have lost their lives so far, as per official estimates.
The red alert that was in force in all districts was also withdrawn as water level came down. Meantime, orange alert has been declared in districts except for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Kasargod.
Heavy rain is likely to subside today in the flood-hit state, the weather office has said, though light rain has been forecast at least till Saturday.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, “heavy rainfall” is expected only in Kozhikode, Kannur and Idduki districts over the next four days. While the situation seems to be easing up in Kerala, neighbouring states Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are also reeling under floods.
No provision to declare Kerala floods as national calamity: Alphons Kannanthanam
223 lives lost between August 8-20, 6 deaths today: CM Pinarayi Vijayan
223 people lost their lives between August 8-20. 6 people died today. Centre said they'll make all necessary requirements available to us but in today's situation what is most needed is the necessary help, equivalent to the total damages caused so far: Kerala CM #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/87d1c1Vs5Q
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018
Huge crocodile caught from house in Chalakkudy
Over one million people now in 3,274 relief camps, 602 people rescued today: CM Pinarayi Vijayan
Glimpse of #KeralaFloodRelief efforts:@IAF_MCC sets up a Medical Camp for Flood affected people at Thiruvalla, Kerala@nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/8VOq1BdYzM
— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) August 20, 2018
Army rescues 1850 people from flood-affected areas of Kerala
#Update#Keralafloods2018 Engineer Task Force of 202 Engineer Regiment rescued total of 1850 personnel including patients, children , ladies and senior citizens. Provided food, water, clothing, medicines. We are at it. #OpMadad #KeralaFloodRelief @PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/1j9jkf8qyP
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 20, 2018
Gulf Air to operate all its scheduled flights to Bahrain from Thiruvananthapuram airport from August 21 to 26
#KeralaFloods #FlightRescheduled
— Sovi Vidyadharan (@vidyadharansovi) August 20, 2018
Owing to cancellation of its flights from #Kochi aiport, Bahrain's national carrier @GulfAir to operate all its scheduled flights to #Bahrain from #Thiruvananthapuram airport from Aug 21 to 26. @NewIndianXpress
One year moratorium declared on farm loan repayment to help farmers who lost crops in Kerala floods
Major relief for #farmers in #Kerala who have suffered crop loss in flood. One year #moratorium declared on farm loan repayment. Decision by state level bankers' committee on the request of the state government. #KeralaFlood #KeralaFloodRelief @NewIndianXpress
— Sovi Vidyadharan (@vidyadharansovi) August 20, 2018
Coast Guard relief teams safely evacuated people from flood-affected Kuttanad
On-ground #KeralaFloodRelief efforts:
— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) August 20, 2018
At Kuttanad, the backwaters were indunated with flood water which was gushing into the houses located in the islands of
Vembanad Lake. @IndiaCoastGuard relief teams safely evacuated the elderly the from their homes.@nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/tIj2uvUnNy
Navy conducted rescue operations in North Paravur
Navy ALH involved in #KeralaFloods2018 #KeralaFloods #OpMadad rescue ops in North Paravur @DefenceMinIndia @IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/X0tcGR062j
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 20, 2018
An Indian Navy Dornier aircraft with diving team lands at Kannur to restore water supply
#OpMadad #KeralaFloodRelief #keralafloods Great news coming in. Naval Dornier lands at Kannur Airport with Diving team to restore water supply to Kannur city from Pazhassi Dam @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @nsitharaman @CMOKerala pic.twitter.com/YKXcJd6G36
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 20, 2018
Hero's Welcome
Kudos for Indian Navy pilots for saving lives of stranded people
#OpMadad #KeralaFloodRelief #KeralaFloods2018 A Thank You note painted on the roof of a house where the Naval ALH piloted by Cdr Vijay Varma rescued two women. Bravo... pic.twitter.com/xsaD1RfeIk
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 20, 2018
Kerala Assembly Speaker P Sreeramakrishnan participated in cleaning of flood-hit houses
Your contribution to disaster relief fund no matter how big or small it is, will be issued to deserving people. Request each one of you to contribute to CMDRF to support our mission to rebuild lives in the impacted areas.
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 20, 2018
Grants were released directly to bank accounts of victim/families, and is currently releasing aid for fishing equipment. We've been utilizing Ockhi relief fund with utmost care and will continue to do so.
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 20, 2018
Kerala is exhibiting monumental strength to bounce back from this tragedy, and anyone who is trying to disrupt it will face serious consequences.
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 20, 2018
Kerala is exhibiting monumental strength to bounce back from this tragedy, and anyone who is trying to disrupt it will face serious consequences.
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 20, 2018
Police have been instructed to take strict measures against such cyber offenders. Also Spotted some fraudulent messages/posters with altered CMDRF account numbers as well.
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 20, 2018
Kerala is striving together as a fraternity to overcome the catastrophic flood. However, we have noticed that some are trying to malign this great effort with misinformation in the form of fake messages on social media. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/1dVXF0gyot
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 20, 2018
Kerala faces the gigantic task of rehabilitating homeless and preventing outbreak of diseases
Centre declares Kerala floods 'calamity of severe nature' .
"Keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of the floods and landslides in Kerala, this is a calamity of a severe nature for all practical purposes," a home ministry official said.
WATCH| How to prevent spread of diseases
People waiting in queues to collect fuel in Kozhikode
People waiting in queues to collect fuel from a petrol bunk in Kozhikode. The city-residents have been facing acute fuel short since the past couple of days, and petrol was available only in a handful of pumps. (Photo | TP Sooraj / EPS)
One year moratorium declared on farm loan repayment
Major relief for #farmers in #Kerala who have suffered crop loss in flood. One year #moratorium declared on farm loan repayment. Decision by state level bankers' committee on the request of the state government. #KeralaFlood #KeralaFloodRelief @NewIndianXpress
— Sovi Vidyadharan (@vidyadharansovi) August 20, 2018
Fishermen refuse government's Rs 3,000 conveyance for saving lives
A leader of fishermen, who have won widespread praise by rescuing hundreds caught up in the Kerala floods, on Monday refused to accept Rs 3,000 offered to each member of the community by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He said, they are happy to hear praises but won't accept money for saving people's life.
Kerala floods should be declared national disaster: Congress leader AK Antony
"When floods hit Jammu and Kashmir, the Centre said it was almost like a national disaster and Rs 1,000 crore was sanctioned. But when Kerala is facing the worst-ever natural calamity, just Rs 600 crore has been sanctioned, which is nothing in view of the huge damage caused in the state," Antony said.
A migrant worker from West Bengal, stranded in the flood-ravaged Kerala, has made an appeal to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to rescue him and others like him.
Volunteers of #SaveAnimalsKerala, led by Karthik Gopalakrishnan, saving pets and domestic animals that were stranded in the floods in #Alappuzha district of #Kerala.#KeralaFloods #KeralaFloodRelief@pfaindia @PetaIndia@NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/Ozu4VKU2r0
— Sovi Vidyadharan (@vidyadharansovi) August 20, 2018
Here are a few precautions you must take after returning home
The government has asked industrialists and business organisations to provide whatever help they feel is appropriate to flood-affected Kerala, which is facing a "humanitarian crisis": Union minister Suresh Prabhu. (PTI)
#Telangana Animal Husbandry department today dispatched 100 tonnes of fodder and 1.25 lakh doses of vaccines for cattle in #flood hit #Kerala @NewIndianXpress
— Vvbalakrishna_TNIE (@balaexpressTNIE) August 20, 2018
Telangana government is sending 500 tonnes of rice to flood-hit Kerala as announced by state civil supplies minister E Rajender.
Fishermen refuse Kerala government's Rs 3,000 conveyance for saving lives. Fishefolk from major fishing centres reached the worst-hit Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts.
#Update #Keralafloods2018 #Night rescue ops carried out at Kallicheri throughout night by team of 3 Engineer Regiment led by Major Raas Srivastava.#IndianArmy rescued 5469 civilians, restored connectivity to 42 locations & extended medical aid to 452 personnel.#OpMadad pic.twitter.com/Vur77k3LUg
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 20, 2018
Health and sanitation top priority: Kerala health Minister K K Shailaja
CM has spoken to us and we've discussed the situation at hand, our priority right now is health and sanitation. We have all the resources required to help the people and we also urge them to come forward if they any issue related to the same: Kerala Health Min KK Shailaja (ANI)
Inmates of Central Prison at Poojappura are preparing chapatis to feed Kerala flood victims in relief camps. READ HERE
Special train arranged to bring back Odia workers
Special coaches reserved in trains from Trivandrum/Kochi to #Bhubaneswar for bringing back Odia workers stranded in #KeralaFloods. Kochuveli-Bhubaneswar special train engaged, #Odisha Government is ready to fund more special trains, says @CMO_Odisha. @NewIndianXpress
— Hemant Kumar Rout (@Hemant_TNIE) August 20, 2018
Indian Railways sanctions free movement of relief material from Odisha. As per CM Naveen Pattnaik's orders, 500 MT of polythene sheets for Kerala flood victims to be loaded at Dhanamandal in 20 BCN wagons.
#Update#Keralafloods2018 Engineer Task Force of 202 Engineer Regiment rescued total of 1850 personnel including patients, children , ladies and senior citizens. Provided food, water, clothing, medicines. We are at it. #OpMadad #KeralaFloodRelief @PIB_India @SpokespersonMoD pic.twitter.com/1j9jkf8qyP
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 20, 2018
Kottayam Rescue teams and local panchayats in the process of evacuating people from landslip-prone areas to relief camps at Kottayam district in Kerala on Monday. (Photo | PTI)
Update on #KeralaFloodRelief efforts:@adgpi, @indiannavy , @IAF_MCC & @IndiaCoastGuard continue to execute relief tasks in full swing at all districts.
— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) August 20, 2018
Following table depicts the overall deployment of the Indian Armed Forces in Kerala as on 20/08/2018 at 1200hrs@nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/bA7uhOLyYB
National Diary Development Board (NDDB) supplies Rs 2 cr worth of milk and cattle feed to #Kerala. Chairman Dilip Rath says NDDB committed to provide relief for #KaralaFloods @NewIndianXpress
— Siba Mohanty (@Siba_TNIE) August 20, 2018
Punjab: Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) is sending flood relief material for people affected due to #KeralaFloods. Two relief camp teams are being sent; one by road and the other by air. pic.twitter.com/MJGxmdFBB1
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018
Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons on Monday said that the authorities have housed at least one million people in scores of relief camps set up by the administration across the state. READ FULL STORY HERE
Kerala floods leaves 50 athletes from state oscillating between anxiety and concerned for loved ones while trying to focus on their Asian Games campaign.
Flights Rescheduled
#KeralaFloods #FlightRescheduled
— Sovi Vidyadharan (@vidyadharansovi) August 20, 2018
Owing to cancellation of its flights from #Kochi aiport, Bahrain's national carrier @GulfAir to operate all its scheduled flights to #Bahrain from #Thiruvananthapuram airport from Aug 21 to 26. @NewIndianXpress
Telangana State IAS Officers Association has decided to contribute one day salary of the serving IAS officers to CMRF of Kerala towards rescue and rehabilitation work in flood-hit Kerala.
Special train to run from Thiruvananthapuram to Chennai
#KeralaFloods
— Sovi Vidyadharan (@vidyadharansovi) August 20, 2018
As many as 32 #trains fully cancelled and seven partially cancelled in Kerala due to flood, informs Railways. However, a special fare train will be operated from Kochuveli in #Thiruvananthapuram to #Chennai Central on Monday. Departure: 17:20 hrs.@NewIndianXpress
The ongoing catastrophe that first hit Kerala on August 8 and has been tearing the state apart since August 15 has resulted in close to eight lakh ‘refugees’ being forced out of their homes into nearly 3,500 relief camps.
STATE PULSE: With no Noah’s ark, flood-hit Kerala turns war zone, replete with refugee camps
Relief material worth Rs.50 Lakh has been sent to flood affected areas of #Kerala & #Karnataka & we will be sending material worth Rs.1.5 crore more. Nation is proud of the rescue & relief operations conducted by our security forces in the flood affected areas: Yoga Guru Ramdev pic.twitter.com/U8iN6R8Y1N
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018
An aerial view of flooded areas of Kerala on Monday Aug. 20 2018. (Coast Guard Handout Photo via PTI)
Relief material arrives at Cochin Port
Naval Ship INS Deepak, carrying relief material from Mumbai, arrives at Cochin port with about 800 tonnes of fresh water and nearly 18 tonnes of provisions. (READ HERE)
Around 70 teams are present there with boats, life vests & food packets. Places where light & helicopters cant reach my boys have reached: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command, Lt Gen DR Soni. (ANI)
49 IAF choppers deployed in flood-hit Kerala
Update on #KeralaFloodRelief efforts:
— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) August 20, 2018
Indian Armed Forces' 27 fixed wing military transport aircraft and 49 helicopters have been deployed for effective transportation of food, fresh water, personnel across all flood affected areas of Kerala,#KeralaFloods@nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/lLiiYe2tvM
Crop loss: Kerala begins buying from neighbours; losses to farm sector pegged over Rs 1000 crores
Kerala has started procuring vegetables and fruits from neighbouring states to fill the huge gap in availability to ensure adequate supply in the markets and relief camps. READ MORE HERE
A 19-year-old boy, committed suicide on finding his class twelve certificates destroyed in the devastation caused by the deadly monsoon in Kerala. READ STORY HERE
#KeralaFloodRelief effort -
— Raksha Mantri (@DefenceMinIndia) August 20, 2018
.@indiannavy's team effectively rescued 109 trapped people including infants, ladies, children and senior citizens in Thrissur.
In addition, water, fruits and bread were supplied to local villagers in distress.@nsitharaman_fc pic.twitter.com/IV1PGe1YPw
CM Vijayan enquires about the welfare of migrant workers in the state
In a review meeting held on Sunday evening, CM Pinarayi Vijayan instructed the officials to ensure that the relief also reaches State’s interstate migrant workers. There are thousands of migrant workers in the affected areas, many of who lack shelter & food.#KeralaFloodRelief
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 20, 2018
Idukki almost back to normal
Life in Idukki gradually moves back to normal. ATM services also resume. Work in progress to re-establish connectivity and restore communication. Visuals from Kattappana area. #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/GVm2R8bnar
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018
SC judges will also contribute to Kerala flood relief fund, says CJI Dipak Misra
WATCH | Rescue ops in North Paravoor
Navy ALH involved in #KeralaFloods2018 #KeralaFloods #OpMadad rescue ops in North Paravur @DefenceMinIndia @IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/X0tcGR062j
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 20, 2018
Malayalis in Jharkhand cancel Onam fete, start donation drive
Kerala Samajam, comprising 3000 members, celebrates Onam in a grand manner every year, but this time no one is in a mood to rejoice. (PTI)
Hero Cycles to gift cycle to Anupriya, girl who donated her piggy bank saving for flood relief
The gesture of a nine year-old girl Anupriya from a town in Tamil Nadu to of four years meant for a bicylce, for Kerala flood relief has moved premier cycle manufacturer Hero Cycles, who has now promised her to gift the cycle of her dreams.
Indian Navy rescue team joined six ropes across a stream in Thrissur yesterday rescuing 109 people who were stranded on the other side after the bridge over it collapsed. (Photo | ANI Twitter)
Attention, train travellers
#Kerala: Nizamuddin- Ernakulam Mangala Lakshadweep Express, Mangalore-Nagercoil Parasuram Express, Jamnagar–Tirunelveli Express and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus -Thiruvananthapuram Netravathi Express from Shoranur junction to run as per normal schedule.
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018
Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu called a review meeting on #KeralaFloods with Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh and other senior officials of Rajya Sabha and Vice President Secretariat and decided to donate a month’s salary for relief measures pic.twitter.com/izaFtllTV7
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018
WATCH | RAF personnel build makeshift bridge in Palakkad
#WATCH Temporary bridge being built by Rapid Action Force (RAF) in Palakkad's Erumachery to block flood water from entering paddy fields. #KeralaFloods (19 August) pic.twitter.com/RHEQncAndu
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018
WATCH | Midnight rescue ops in Thiruvalla
#KeralaFloods2018 #OPRAHAT @IndiaCoastGuard Rescue team in a day night operation rescued 50 people including women & children from the flooded houses in #Thiruvella area & shifted them safely to the nearest Relief camp. @DefenceMinIndia @CMOKerala @SpokespersonMoD @DG_PIB pic.twitter.com/DzPeclZNHY
— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) August 20, 2018
Free textbooks to be distributed for school students
Prof. C. Raveendranath, Minister for Education says: By 31 August, text books will be distributed. Students should come to schools and register for text books which they have lost in the floods. They have to register this month. If students have lost their valuable certificates in the flood - by 3rd September, they should register in their respective schools. Arrangements will be made at the earliest to issue the new certificates.
Parur: There are about 1000 people to be resued from four Panchayats, says MLA V D Satheesan
Chhattisgarh sends 25,000 quintal rice by train to flood-ravaged Kerala
Maharashtra dispatched 30 tons relief material to Kerala from Mumbai Airport through Indian Airforce flight on Sunday. An additional 5 tons will be sent today.
It's a historic day as the airport is back into civil operations.Substantial work done to ensure all facilities are available&support is given for aircraft to operate. We've segregated parking bays so that unhindered operations take place: Commodore RR Iyer, CO, INS Garuda #Kochi pic.twitter.com/dcZvLvF8YF
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2018
Indigo aircraft also lands at INS Garuda
#OpMadad #KeralaFloodRelief #KeralaFloods2018 First aircraft of @IndiGo6E also lands at INS Garuda Kochi Naval Air Station @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD @nsitharaman @CMOKerala pic.twitter.com/JjCyBLaN3d
— SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 20, 2018
The 70-seater Alliance Air plane that landed at Kochi
The first flight of the 70-seater Alliance Air plane that landed at Kochi has been booked full on its return leg to Bengaluru. Alliance Air is a subsidiary of the state-run carrier Air India. Other airlines are also likely to fly to Kochi. (Photo | Suresh Prabhu/ Twitter)
Union Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu tweets after first scheduled flight lands at Cochin INS Garuda
Congratulations to team @airindiain. 1st scheduled flight lands at Cochin INS Garuda (the alternate site for Cochin Airport) from Bangalore with 70+ passengers. pic.twitter.com/QlhYPc2i2Z
— Suresh Prabhu (@sureshpprabhu) August 20, 2018
Nearly 80,000 people have been rescued by midnight; shifted to various rescue camps: Saji Cherian
The Chengannur MLA said: We have identified 60 spots for the next rescue operation. The initial Focus will be North Pandanad and we have identified five wards and we will send in five resue teams to these areas.
No relief camp has been set up in Pandanad panchayat as the area is completely flooded. (TV reports)
Chengannur: Pandanad panchayat fully submerged under water
Chengannur rescue operations expected for two more days; Pandanad area in focus.
Keralite sacked from Lulu Group International over insensitive remarks about flood victims
Lulu Group International dismissed Rahul Cheru Palayattu, who worked as a cashier at the company's branch in Oman after he mocked the sanitation requirements of the flood victims in Kerala on Facebook. READ MORE HERE
Spread of fake news about the floods continues on social media
Imposter wearing Army combat uniform in video spreading disinformation about rescue & relief efforts. Every effort by all & #IndianArmy aimed to overcome this terrifying human tragedy.Forward disinformation about #IndianArmy on WhatsApp +917290028579. We are at it #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/ncUR7tCkZW
— ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 19, 2018
Indian NGO raises over USD 10,000 for Kerela Floods
Sewa International USA has raised over USD 10,000 towards the flood relief in Kerela, where nearly 200 people have died in devastating floods and thousands have lost lives and have been rendered homeless, the organisation said in a statement. (PTI)
Before you return home, think
“When you get back home, you are to mark the level of flood water on your walls with chalk or paint. This is highly crucial. Post the Great flood of ‘99, people failed to document and record the intensity and level of flood waters, says Muralee Thummarukudy, chief of Disaster Risk Reduction in the United Nations Environment Programme. READ MORE HERE
Commercial flight operations to Kochi resumes today
Commercial flight operations to flood-hit Kochi resumed today after the Navy activated its airstrips to accommodate small passenger aircraft. The first flight -- an Alliance Air ATR plane -- landed early this morning at the INS Garuda naval air station The main Kochi International Airport will remain closed till August 26th due to flooding in and around the main building.
The fishermen of the state have been credited for organising successful rescue ops
CM Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the Government will honour fishing workers who were part of the rescue mission. All boats will be granted ₹3000 for each day of their work. Government will also bear the repairing costs of boats damaged during the mission. #KeralaFloods
— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 19, 2018
WATCH VIDEO
#WATCH: A old woman being airlifted by Indian Air Force (IAF) from Ernakulam. She was later taken to Navy Hospital. (19.8.2018) #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/6NxOhgfeFD
— ANI (@ANI) August 19, 2018
Kerala floods: As water retreats, victims stare at bleak future
On Day Five, flood-hit Kerala breathed easy. The sun came out after several days, water receded in many areas and thousands were rescued and brought to the relief camps. READ MORE HERE
Commercial flights will start operating from Kochi Naval Base today
Two special trains will run today to Kolkata from Trivandrum & Ernakulam. Train services expected to restore on all lines by today evening. Commercial flights will start operating from Kochi Naval Base. Government of India
13 deaths on Sunday, says Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan
A total of 724,649 people are sheltering in 5,645 camps following "one of the worst ever floods" in Kerala that has claimed some 370 lives and caused widespread destruction, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said yesterday in a press conference.
