Thiruvananthapuram, August 18: With Kerala witnessing the worst flood of the century, the state is almost submerging in flood. While the state is taking all measures to combat this worst situation and stand together in this worst time, the Central government is also providing undue support to God’s own country.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched on visiting Kerala to take stock of the situation, the Prime Minister had directed the Cabinet Secretary to avail all necessary preparedness, and rescue and relief operations along with immediate and continued assistance to Kerala to meet this crisis. With NDRF, Navy, Air Force and the Army trying their best to rescue the people, the defence ministry needs to be applauded for their exemplary efforts.
With his arrival last night, the Prime Minister was scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of the state but due to heavy rainfall the survey has been postponed. Government of India is fully supporting the State of Kerala and the Cabinet Secretary also directed that relief material including supply of drinking water, dry food packets and powdered milk should also be made available to Kerala.
Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman sanctioned the extra choppers, as people marooned in Chengannur and Chalakudy could only be airlifted to safety. In order to rescue & move people from flood-affected regions to safer locations and relief camps, around 221 motorised and 7 non-motorised boats from Indian Army , Indian Navy & India Coast Guard have been deployed in Kerala.
The strong flow of water in these regions is the greatest obstruction hindering the rescue missions. CM Vijayan said more helicopters and big boats will be deployed for rescue operations today. The helicopters and the life boats will be deployed in the areas.