Naidu speaks to Vijayan, assures maximum help

Amaravati: AP Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu assured Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan that the state government will extend maximum possible support in mitigating and managing the ongoing floods crisis in Kerala.

Hundreds of people have dead, thousands of crores of rupees worth properties were destroyed and livestock displaced due to continuous heavy rains and floods all over Kerala state. Chandrababu Naidu said that AP government will help in mobilising donations for the flood affected people in Kerala. He wished that Kerala would come out of the crisis as early as possible.

AP Disaster Management teams were sent to Kerala to provide emergency services on Saturday. The teams are on board from Gannavaram and will participate in rescue operations from Sunday. Chandrababu Naidu further informed Vijayan that AP government will send supporting emergency staff, if they required further.It is to be noted thatthe AP government has already announced financial aid of Rs 10 crore to Kerala.

State sends disaster management team, equipment to Kerala:

The Andhra Pradesh government is extending all possible help to the flood hit Kerala by sending a team to take part in rescue and relief operations. State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has sent a team with 66 fire services personnel, officials and rescue operations materials to flood hit Kerala on Saturday, which has been facing huge disaster as death toll crossed more than 350 during the last nine days. 

All rivers in Kerala are in spate and inundated scores of towns, villages and residential  colonies. The AP government has responded to the disaster and sent the men and material in a special flight from Gannavaram Airport. The Andhra Pradesh has sent a team comprising 66 fire services personnel, one NDRF team, one district fire officer, assistant fire officer, five fire station officers, one disaster management officer, one boat mechanic, one swimming instructor, 12 motor boats and other equipment used during the disasters. 

Commissioner of disaster management M V SeshagiriBabu, DG of State Disaster Response and Fire services department K Satyanarayana and other officials held discussions with the authorities of Kerala and sent the team of fire personnel and officials along with equipment. As many as 12 inflatable rubber boats, 12 out boat motors, 12 Air pumps, 24 pedals, 24 oil canes with tubes, 12 engine keys, 12 floor boards, 50 life buoys, 100 life jackets, 5 Aska lights, 10 power saws, 24 ropes and 250 gum boots. The gross weight of the total equipment is 3680 kgs.