Floods in Kerala claim 72 lives, death toll continues to rise

The people of Kerala are struggling to cope up with the devastating flood that has claimed more than 70 lives till now. It is said to be the worst-ever flood. The authorities have ordered to cease all the operations from the Kochi Airport till August 18. All the trains have also been cancelled on the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil route.

More than 20 companies deployed by the Navy are carrying out the rescue operations. The power supply is also likely to be cut in several regions like Kalamassery and Ernakulam. The residents have already been informed to keep their phones and power banks charged.

As a result of the flood, there are several traffic jams on NH 47. A number of vehicles were stranded since the areas between Aluva and Chalakkudy were completely flooded. The metro services as well as the airport have also been closed until further notice.

According to the sources, the Ranni village of Pathanamthitta is among the most affected areas. Majority of its region is flooded and the residents have been asked to move towards elevated grounds. A number of education institutes have also been closed in Ernakulam.

A few of the navy companies are also carrying out rescue operations in the regions of North Parvaur, Chalakkudy.

With the worsening condition of the state, the authorities are reaching out for help. Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala asked his Tamil Nadu counterpart to release water from Mullaperiyar Dam which was about to be breached at the 142-feet mark.

Vijayan also contacted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking support.

“Have asked Defense Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state,” he tweeted.