6 dead, 6 missing in Keralam as heavy rain triggers floods; CM Satheesan reviews relief efforts
Thiruvananthapuram, August 1
In view of the heavy rainfall and the prevailing rain-related situation across Keralam, Chief Minister VD Satheesan has been in constant touch with the Revenue Minister and other ministers coordinating relief efforts in various districts and their administrations.
According to the Chief Minister's Office, he has also spoken with MLAs and other public representatives from the worst-affected areas to review the situation and oversee relief and rescue operations.
As of 6:00 PM, six deaths have been officially confirmed, while six people remain missing. Search operations are continuing with the participation of various agencies, supported by public representatives and residents.
A total of 65 relief camps have been opened across the state, sheltering 1,465 people. Arrangements have been made to shift more people to relief camps if required. Seventeen houses have been destroyed, while 127 houses have sustained partial damage.
The reduction in rainfall by evening in areas that received heavy rain earlier in the day has come as a relief. Boats have been brought in from other districts as required to strengthen rescue operations. Water inflows into various dams are being closely monitored, and people residing in hilly areas have been advised to remain vigilant.
The Anakkampoyil area in Kozhikode district recorded 340 mm of rainfall over the past 35 hours, while Meppadi in Wayanad district received 177 mm of rainfall.
The state government said it is fully prepared to deal with any emergency situation and urged people to strictly follow the instructions issued by the government and district administrations.
The government also assured that adequate financial assistance will be provided to the families of those who lost their lives, as well as to people who have lost their homes, crops and livelihoods. Those injured in rain-related incidents will be provided with the best possible medical treatment. The government said it would stand by the affected people and extend all necessary support during this difficult period.
Meanwhile, the Travancore Devaswom Board has advised devotees planning to visit Sabarimala on August 2 and 3 for Niraputhari to reconsider their pilgrimage in view of heavy rain, flooding in Pampa, and the possibility of landslides. A security alert has been issued for the area.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The CM's proactive approach of personally coordinating with ministers and MLAs is reassuring. But 340mm in Kozhikode in 35 hours is terrifying! The warning about Sabarimala is wise too - safety over pilgrimage. Hope all affected families get the promised compensation quickly.
Sending love from the US to all those affected in Kerala. The way the community comes together during these crises - with residents helping in search operations - is truly inspiring. Climate change is making these events more frequent worldwide; we all need to act.
While I appreciate the relief efforts, I'm concerned about the recurring nature of these disasters. The state needs to invest heavily in better drainage systems, early warning systems, and stricter building codes in hilly areas. Reaction is good, prevention is better.
Six lives lost is devastating. I'm glad the government has boats mobilized from other districts and is monitoring dam inflows closely. The advisory for hilly area residents is crucial. Stay safe, Kerala! We're with you. 💪🌧️
As someone who visited Kerala last year, this beautiful state doesn't deserve such suffering. The government's preparedness with camps and medical aid is commendable, but I hope international attention brings more help. Prayers for the missing and their families.
K We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.