Rain subsides in Kerala, red alert withdrawn, but massive rescue and relief operation goes on
Thiruvanthapuram, Aug 20 (IBNS) : The Indian Meteorological Department has withdrawn red alert from all the districts of Kerala following let up in rainfall even though the situation in the flood-ravaged state remained grim with widespread destruction and lakhs of people being homeless.
According to reports, the toll in the worst flood in the state in a century has risen to 370. An all out effort is being made for relief and rescue operation.
The reports said only three districts-Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Ernakulam — are on orange alert. The weather office has said that there has been a gradual decrease in rainfall on the state and floodwaters have begun to recede.
The Government on Sunday told the National Crisis Management Committee that the Kerala flood situation was gradually improving.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the state has suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crores due to floods.
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, the CMO said in a tweet.
Union Minister of Health JP Nadda said 3757 medical camps had been setup in Kerala. 90 different medicines were required and first installment has reached. He added that an advisory had been issued for daily monitoring and surveillance. Quick response medical teams to start work as soon as water recedes
Detailing the scale of the devastation, the CM said that over 221 bridges were damaged and make-shift roads were being constructed. While thanking the central government for its assistance, Vijayan added that the state would still need more help.
The CM announced that Rs 3,000 per day would be given to the fishermen who participated in the rescue operations.
Prime Minister Modi on Saturday conducted an aerial survey of the flood hit areas and announced a relief package of Rs 500 crores.
However, despite the weather looking up, thousands are people are still feared marooned awaiting rescue while the spectre of epidemics looms large in relief camps where tens of thousands of people are huddling together.
So far, more than 50,000 people have been rescued through joint efforts put in by the Army, Navy, Air Force, India coast guard and NDRF, besides several non-Government organisations. Food is being airdropped to the marooned people, many of whom perched on rooftops or taking shelter on high areas.
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