Kerala flood: Death toll rises to 75

The number of deaths in Kerala has risen to 75 as the state reels under unprecedented havoc caused by heavy rains. Torrential rains along with over flowing rivers and landslides over the last few days have worsened the condition in the region.

Almost 20,000 houses and more than 10,000 km of roads have been damaged by flood and landslides since August 08. More than 60,000 flood victims are sheltered in relief camps and the damages of properties caused by flood is expected to be over 8000 crore.

The government of Kerala has decided to do away with Onam celebrations and not to organise other programmes held every year as a part of Onam festivities. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, a red alert has been issued across the state and it has turned out to be the state's worst monsoon in almost a century.

The Indian Metorological Department issued a red alert on Wednesday for eight districts of the state. Heavy to very heavy rains until Thursday are expected in Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur, Kasargode, Malappuram, Palakkad, Idukki and Ernakulam districts.

The airport of Kochi will remain closed till Saturday due to the heavy rains and resultant floods. Tourists were asked to stay away from the popular hill station, Munnar in Idduki district which remained flooded on Tuesday.

The Southern naval command deployed 21 rescue and diving teams with Gemini boats in flood-hit Kerala . At least 81 people were rescued on Wednesday and many of them were kept in rescue camps.

Featured image : The Indian Express