Torrential rain in Kerala continues to wreak havoc; CM Pinarayi Vijayan reviews rescue operations in flood affected areas

NewsBharati    11-Aug-2018
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Thiruvananthapuram, August 11: With Kerala brimming under heavy rainfall and brimming flood, rescue operations in the state continues to tackle the situation. The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan appealed to all for supporting state measures in dealing with the flood situation in the state as he reviewed the condition of the flood-hit regions in Kerala.

All political leaders appealed to party workers to join the rescue and relief operations in the state, as torrential rain continues to wreak havoc. "It's an unprecedented situation due to heavy rainfall. 29 persons lost their lives and 58,000 persons are shifted to relief camps. The government needs the support of all for effective relief and rescue operations. I appeal to all to donate to Chief Ministers Relief Fund," Chief Minister of Kerala Pinarayi Vijayan requested through a Facebook post.
 
CPI (M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan directed party workers to join relief operations in the flood-affected regions. Home Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Kochi on Sunday and visit the flood-affected regions.

Vijayan visited flood-affected areas of Idukki, Wayanad, Kannur, and Ernakulam by Helicopter. Chief Minister accompanied by Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala, Minister for Revenue E Chandrashekharan, Chief Secretary Tom Jose, Additional Chief Secretary for Revenue P H Kurien and Police Chief Loknath Behera left Thiruvananthapuram in the morning.

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The chopper could not land in Kattapana due to bad climatic conditions in the morning. The Chief Minister will return to Thiruvananthapuram after reviewing relief operations at Ernakulam.

The situation in Ernakulam district of Kerala is under control, as the water level in Periyar river has not reached a dangerous level as feared. Earlier, district administration predicted a three-meter rise in river water level after five shutters in the Idukki dam were opened yesterday. Today, Idukki water level remains 2401.04 feet. "We will keep the shutters up till the water level reaches 2398 feet. Around 1,800 families on the river banks were shifted to relief camps in Idukki, MM Mani, Minister for Power said.

Meanwhile, low tide in the Arabian Sea saved Aluva, a satellite town in Ernakulam, from floods. Despite heavy inflow of water, water level remained constant. The district administration evacuated around 6,800 people in the Ernakulam district.

According to CIAL Managing Director VJ Kurien, flight operations are normal and flood water has not affected the airport operations. On August 9, Kochi International airport closed landing of the flights for two hours.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Rescue Operations Flood