Heavy rains leave 37 dead in Kerala

​Thiruvananthapuram: As the death toll climbed to 37 in rain-affected Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday undertook an aerial survey of flood-ravaged districts of the state. More than 11 out of 14 districts are under water due to incessant rains in the last three days. NDRF, Army and other forces are working on a war footing to rescue people from flood-hit areas as the overall situation remains grave.

The Chief Minister has appealed to all to contribute generously to restore life in the state. He has also announced an ex gratia to the next of kin of deceased and to those who lost their property in the floods. He is visiting the flood-affected areas of Idukki, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Wayanad, Kozhikode & Malappuram districts. Meanwhile, the Centre has assured all assistance to the state government.

The southwest monsoon has been vigorous over Kerala. For the first time in the last 26 years, all five shutters of the Cheruthoni dam–a part of Idukki hydel reservoir system– were opened. Idukki dam is one of the largest arch dams in Asia. Besides, more than 24 dams across the state have also been opened to drain out excess water. About 12,000 people have been shifted to 73 relief camps across the state.

Union Minister KJ Alphons said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to Kerala CM Vijayan on the grave situation due to floods. The Centre has sent armed forces and they have been on the ground for past three days and have been helping the state administration. NDRF teams have also been sent, he said.

Over 50 tourists, including from Russia, Saudi Arabia and Oman, stranded after the road to their resort at Pallivasal in the district was damaged in a landslide after heavy rains, were rescued by the Army. Tourism Minister Kadakampally Surendran said they were brought out safely after the Army personnel cut out a parallel pathway. A four-member Russian family, including two children and a couple from the USA were rescued first. The other tourists were also brought out one by one after the road was cleared, sources said.

Meanwhile, a heart-warming video of a rescue effort has gone viral on social media. In a heroic effort that was caught on camera, a man is seen running across a bridge with a child in his arms minutes before the Cheruthoni bridge went under water. The footage by News18 Kerala was captured on camera as the fifth shutter of the Idukki dam was opened and the reservoir’s water was released into the Cheruthoni river.