The historical flooding in Kerala has reached a critical stage with rescuers recovering four bodies found floating near Pandanad, in the worst-hit Chengannur in Pathanamthitta district.

At least 14 deaths have been reported today amidst heightened fears about the fate of thousands of people in the interiors, who have remained beyond the reach of relief and rescue missions thus far. NEW AREAS FLOODEDMeanwhile, floodwaters have entered new areas following heavy rain in Kottayam, with storm waters flooding Thalayolaparambu, Vaikom and low-lying Kuttanad areas.

Intermittent showers have been lashing Pathanamthitta as a result of which the Pampa and Achenkoil rivers remain in spate. The currents over their new-found course over land are so strong that even experienced sea-going fishermen drafted from Thiruvananthapuram are finding it difficult to navigate their huge boats.

Airlifting stranded people is the only option, but gusty winds and lashing rain in the morning have effectively prevented rescue and relief teams from operating to capacity. 

However navy helicopters were able to carry out sorties to these areas later in the morning. The enormity of the task before them, especially in the inaccessible interiors, is overwhelming. BOATS FLOWN INEarlier this morning, a massive Army aircraft carrying 25 fibre boats landed in Thiruvananthapuram. These have been despatched by road to Chengannur and Thiruvalla in Pathanamthitta district.

Several container loads of relief material, including dry food, medicines and clothes, are also being moved from Thiruvananthapuram to the flood-hit areas.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a review meeting in Cochin, and made an aerial assessment of the damage caused due to floods. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Governor S Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Minister of State K.J. Alphons, and officials. The Prime Minister expressed his grief and sorrow on the unfortunate deaths and damage caused to life and property in the floods. 

After the review, he announced a financial assistance of Rs 500 crore to the state. This is in addition to Rs 100 crore announced by Home Minister Rajnath Singh after his visit here on August 12. INTERIM RELIEFChief Minister Vijayan had made a demand for immediate relief of Rs 2,000 crore against an estimated loss of Rs 20,000 crore suffered by the state in the rains. The Prime Minister also assured the state government that relief material, including foodgrains and and medicines, would be provided as requested.

He has announced ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to those seriously injured from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund. He has directed insurance companies to hold special camps for assessment and timely release of compensation to the affected families/ beneficiaries under Social Security Schemes.

The National Highways Authority has been directed to repair the main national highways damaged due to floods on priority. Central public sector undertakings such as NTPC and PGCIL have been directed to be available to render all possible assistance to the state government in restoring power lines. HELP FROM CENTREVillagers whose kutcha houses have been destroyed would be provided Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin houses on priority irrespective of their priority in the Permanent Wait List of PMAY-G.

Under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, 5.5 crore person days have been sanctioned in the labour budget 2018-19. Any further request for incurring person days would be considered in line with the requirement projected by the state.

Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, farmers would be provided assistance for replantation of damaged horticulture crops. The Centre is closely and continuously monitoring the flood situation in Kerala and all help is being provided to the state to deal with the adverse situation. The Prime Minister has been in constant touch with the Chief Minister regarding the flood situation. FORCES ON DEPLOYMENTAt least 57 Teams of the National Disaster Response Force, involving about 1,300 personnel and 435 boats have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Five companies of BSF, CISF and RAF have been deployed in the state to carry out rescue and relief measures. The Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard are also deployed for assisting the state in search and rescue.

 A total of 38 helicopters have been deployed. Twenty aircraft are also being used to ferry in resources. The Army has deployed 10 columns and 10 teams of the Engineering Task Force, involving around 790 trained personnel. The Navy is providing 82 teams and the Coast Guard, 42 teams, two helicopters and two ships.

The Prime Minister complimented the state government for the efforts made in meeting the challenges of the unprecedented situation. Rescue of marooned people must remain the topmost priority, he said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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