Kerala floods Death toll climbs to 164, PM Modi to visit flood-hit state today

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Friday announced that the death toll has risen to 164 since August 8 in flood-hit Kerala. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reach Kerala later today and undertake an aerial survey of the flood-ravaged areas on Saturday. The Indian Meteorological Department (MeT) on Thursday indicated a slight reduction in rain intensity over Kerala in the next 48 hours. In districts like Kozhikode, the situation is improving, however, central Kerala is still in bad shape. On Thursday, torrential rain and floods claimed 30 lives, swamping homes, destroying roads, and disrupting air and rail traffic in many places, officials said. The Railway Recruitment Board postponed exams scheduled for today in the state taking note of the flood situation.

Battling inclement weather conditions, the Indian navy began airlifting marooned people in Trichur, Aluva and Muvattupuzha. Dramatic videos showed people stranded atop flooded homes and hills being winched up by Navy choppers.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday called Prime Minister Narendra Modi again, seeking more aid considering the situation. He also sought additional Army personnel and helicopters. For the first time in history, the state has opened 35 of its 39 dams. Meanwhile, operations at the Cochin International Airport have been suspended till August 26 due to flooding in and around the airport. A red alert has been issued in all the 14 districts of the state.