Kerala Floods | 'They don't want our money, they need our prayers', Deputy speaker of Goa sparks controversy

After a week of fierce downpour, the rescue operations are in full swing as the state of Kerala is keeping up with the mission to find trapped survivors and drop food and water in isolated villages. Amid all this, the Deputy speaker of Goa, Michael Lobo, has sparked a controversy with his statement regarding the flood-affected Kerala. 

"I feel it's a natural disaster. People of Kerala are dignified and have self-respect. Govt has sanctioned Rs 500 crores and other states have also donated. I think they don't want our money, they need our prayers", said Michael Lobo.  

Read: KERALA FLOODS | Here's How You Can Help

Earlier in the day, the Chief Justice of India, Dipak Misra, extended help to the flood-hit Kerala and informed that the judges of the Supreme Court will contribute Rs 25,000 each to the Kerala flood relief fund. The apex court bench helmed by the CJI and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud made the observation after Attorney General K K Venugopal referred to the tragedy that has hit southern state.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also taken an aerial survey of the massive loss and destruction triggered by the rains in Kerala and chaired a meeting in Kochi with CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister KJ Alphons and other officials. PM Modi also announced Rs 500 crore as immediate aid for Kerala, in addition to the 100 crore. The governments of different states also announced additional assistance for Kerala. In the same breath, film celebrities too expressed grief over the loss of life and went a step ahead to donated to the Kerala relief fund. They also urged the people of the country to extend their help in whatever way possible. 

Following a torrential downpour that caused heavy flooding in the state of Kerala since the past few weeks, has caused immeasurable loss to lives and property. Close to 370 lives have been lost in the state due to the floods. With nearly three quarters of a million people packed into relief camps in the southern state, known for its tourist beaches and hill resorts, authorities also fear outbreaks of disease.

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