Kerala rains: Fresh warning issued as death toll stands at 39
The weatherman has issued a fresh warning asking fishermen not to venture into the sea, saying the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep may experience winds at the speed of 35 to 45 kmph , sometimes going up to 60 kmph .
Kerala's worst affected Idukki district continued to reel under the impact of unprecedented floods on Monday even as fresh rains were reported from several other parts of the state.
The water level in the Idukki hydro-electric dam has receded to 2,397.58 feet, alleviating concerns about floods in fresh downstream areas, particularly in Ernakulam district, officials said.
The Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had informed that at least 39 people had been killed and six missing in rain-related incidents in the state. Flash floods due to incessant rains have wreaked havoc in several districts of the state.
From past few days, normal life in many parts has been disrupted. The areas which were worst hit are Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Idukki, and Mallapuram districts.
At present, 3,095 people are lodged in 17 camps in the Ernakulam district. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had made an aerial survey of two rain-ravaged districts — Ernakulam and Idukki — and said the situation in the state was "very serious".
He had also announced an aid of Rs 100 crore as immediate central relief.
Vijayan on Sunday had informed that as per the preliminary report, the total damage due to floods in the state is estimated to be worth Rs 8316 crore.
The Chief Minister has requested an amount of Rs 400 crore in addition to the Rs 800 crore already sought for carrying out the immediate relief and rehabilitation.
Also, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj today announced that passports damaged in floods in Kerala will be replaced free of cost by the government.