Kerala Govt. to organise farewell for defence forces

Trivandrum (Kerala): Kerala government will organize a farewell for various defence forces who helped in relief and rescue operations during recent unprecedented floods in the state, announced Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan while addressing a presser on Wednesday evening.

The Chief Minister said, "The government has decided to organise a farewell on August 26 to express its love and gratitude towards the various defence forces that helped in relief and rescue operations in the state".

Indian Air Force, Navy and Army deployed defence personnel including medical teams, engineers, paratroopers and divers to help during relief and rescue operations in Kerala.

Commenting on initial warnings and efforts made by Government before the unprecedented floods, Kerala Chief Minister said, "On July 30 water levels were below orange alert and till August 7 water was receding, on August 8 heavy rain started and water levels began to increase. On August 15 Mullaperiyar Dam was opened. Nobody could have foreseen this but still, warnings were given and evacuations were done."

The Kerala Chief Minister also clarified his outlook on the foreign aid and commented that Centre may accept it. Quoting the 2016 National Disaster Management Policy, the Kerala Chief Minister said, "If the government of another country voluntarily offers assistance as a goodwill gesture in solidarity with the disaster victims, the Central Government may accept the offer. Right now only talk is happening, let us see what happens".

The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude towards India Team Captain Virat Kohli for dedicating their win to the victims. He said, "In third test match between England and India when India won, captain Virat Kohli said, this win is dedicated to the victims. Even from England, they are keeping us in their thoughts. The whole world is sending us love and that strengthens us further to overcome this".

With flood water receding and no latest forecast of heavy rainfall in the state, the coastal region is making efforts to return towards normalcy.