FOLLOW UPDATES AFTER 11 AM ON AUGUST 18 HERE.

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Update at 10:55 AM: PM Announces Rs 500 crore immediate aid. Read below the full scope of measures announced

The Prime Minister visited Kerala to review the situation arising out of floods in the State. After a review meeting, he made an aerial assessment of the damages caused due to floods in some of the affected areas of the State, as permitted by weather conditions.  During the aerial survey, the Prime Minister was accompanied by the Governor, the Chief Minister, Shri K.J. Alphons (Union Minister of State) and officials. 

The Prime Minister expressed his grief and sorrow on the unfortunate deaths and damage caused to lives and property due to floods.  

The Prime Minister reviewed the flood situation during a meeting with Shri Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala, and officials of the State Government. 

After the review, the Prime Minister announced a financial assistance of Rs 500 crore to the State. This is in addition to Rs. 100 Cr. announced by the Home Minister on 12.08.2018.  He also assured the State Government that relief materials including foodgrains, medicines etc would be provided, as requested.

PM also announced ex-gratia of @ Rs. 2 lakh per person to the next kin of the deceased and @ Rs. 50,000 to those seriously injured from PM’s National Relief Funds (PMNRF). 

PM has directed Insurance Companies to hold special camps for assessment & timely release of compensation to the affected families/beneficiaries under Social Security Schemes. The directions have also been issued for early clearance of claims under Fasal Bima Yojna to agriculturists.  

PM has directed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to repair main national highways damaged due to floods on priority. The Central Public Sector like NTPC and PGCIL have also been directed to be available to render all possible assistance to the State Government in restoring power lines. 

Villagers, whose kutcha houses have been destroyed in the devastating floods, would be provided Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin houses on priority irrespective of their priority in the Permanent Wait List of PMAY-G.

Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme 5.5 Cr. person days have been sanctioned in the labour budget 2018-19. Any further request for incurring the person days would be considered as per the requirement projected by the State. 

Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, farmers would be provided assistance for replantation of damaged horticulture crops. 

The flood situation in Kerala has been continuously and closely monitored by the Union Government. All help is being provided to the State Government to deal with the adverse situation. The Prime Minister has been in constant touch with the Chief Minister regarding the flood situation. 

On the direction of the Prime Minister,  Shri Kiren Rijiju, MoS (Home) accompanied by the Shri K.J. Alphons, MoS (I/C), and a high-level Central Team visited the flood-affected districts of Alappuzha and Kottayam on 21.07.2018, reviewed the flood situation, relief measures and met affected people.  

On 12th August, 2018, Shri Rajnath Singh, Union Home Minister accompanied by Shri K.J. Alphons, MoS (I/C), Tourism and senior officers visited the flood/landslide affected areas of Kerala and carried out aerial survey of the affected areas and reviewed the search, rescue and relief measures taken by the State and Central Government agencies with CM, Kerala, and other Ministers and Officials. The Home Minister also announced release of Rs. 100 Cr. in advance from the NDRF. 

An Inter-Ministerial Centre Team (IMCT) has already visited the affected areas in the State for assessment of losses from 7-12 August, 2018 as per the Memorandum dated 21.07.2018 submitted by the State Government.

57 Teams of NDRF involving about 1300 personnel and 435 Boats are deployed for search and rescue operations. Five (5) Companies of BSF, CISF and RAF’s have been deployed in the State to carry out rescue and relief measures. 

 The Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard are also deployed for assisting the State in search & rescue operations. A total of 38 helicopters have been deployed for rescue and relief measures. In addition, 20 Aircraft are also being used for ferrying resources. Army has deployed 10 Columns and 10 Teams of Engineering Task Force (ETFs) involving around 790 trained personnel’s. Navy is providing 82 teams. The Coast Guard has provided 42 teams; 2 helicopters and 2 ships.

Since 9th August, the NDRF, Army and Navy together have rescued /evacuated 6714 persons and provided medical assistance to 891 persons. 

The Prime Minister complimented the State Government for the efforts made in meeting the challenges of the unprecedented situation. He observed that rescue of people who are still marooned remains the topmost priority. Government of India will continue to support the State Government in all its endeavours.

Update at 10:23 AM: Muthoot Healthcare, Kozhencherry pay tribute to 13 Garhwal Rifles for their rescue operations.
 

Update at 10:15 AM: Telangana Foods is dispatching 100 Metric Tonnes of Balamrutham (a nutritious food manufactured by Telangana Foods for children) costing Rs.52.5 Lakh free of cost to the State of Kerala to feed the flood-stranded children of Kerala. The food airlifted by Defence Aircraft from Begumpet Airport around 7.30 a.m.

Update at 10:10 AM: Mamta Banerjee extends her support to Kerala.
 

Update at 9:52 AM: A government school has been turned into temporary shelter, where 100 families are currently staying. Food and essentials is being provided by the volunteers.
 

Update at 9:47 AM: Rescue teams have been deployed in large numbers in these areas.
 

 

 

Update at 9:32 AM: PM Modi takes stock of situation in Kerala in a meeting with state CM Pinarayi Vijayan and others.
 

Update at 9:30 AM: Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has sent a cable of condolences to the Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on the victims of the recent floods that hit the Indian state of Kerala.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed expressed heartfelt sympathy to President Kovind and to the families of the victims and wished the injured speedy recovery.

Update at 9:10 AM: Update from Indian Coast Guard.
 

Update at 8:26 AM: Indian Army provides update on rescue operation going on in Kerala.
 

Update at 8:18 AM: President of UAE, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan orders formation of emergency committee to provide aid to Kerala.
 

 

 

Update at 8:14 AM: PM Modi reaches Kochi, set to conduct aerial survey of flood situation in Kerala.
 

Update at 8:05 AM: Unit of 13th Garhwal Rifles prepare themselves to rescue citizens from Chengannur, one of the worst-hit areas from flood.
 

Update at 8:00 AM: In the past 80 days, 365 people have lost their lives in floods that have struck Kerala.

Update at 7:35 AM: PM Narendra Modi leaves from Thiruvananthapuram for an aerial survey of flood-affected areas of Kochi.

Update at 7:30 AM: Indian Navy has sent 8 lakh litres of drinking water, which will reach Kochi by August 19.

Update at 7:25 AM: PM Narendra Modi to undertake aerial survey of situation in Kerala later today.

Update at 7:20 AM: 13 Indian Air Force and 18 India Army teams deployed in Kerala.

Update at 7:15 AM: Security Forces rescue stranded civilians from Aluva.
 

 

 

 

Update at 7:00 AM: Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Andhra Pradesh CM N Chandrababu Naidu and Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal have extended their complete support towards the Kerala government in the wake of recent floods, which has destroyed the state.

Update at 11.05 PM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Kerala on Friday night to take stock of the flood situation in the state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Governor P Sathasivam and Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons received the Prime Minister. Aerial survey to begin at 8.00 am. 

Update at 9:31 PM: Update on #KodaguFloods rescue operations-

Update at 9:08 PM: Across Kerala & now Kodagu in Karnataka, heavy rainfall has caused widespread devastation. This is the time for our workers & leaders to demonstrate the core Congress values of service & love. Please focus all our resources & people to help those in need: Rahul Gandhi

Update at 9:05 PM: Column of 120 Engineer Regiment has evacuated & provided relief material to 50 stranded civilians in the general area of Aluva & Kalady in Ernakulam District using Engineer Boats

Update at 8:51 PM: People in relied camps are being given water and food. 40,000 policemen, 46 teams of Navy, 13 IAF teams, 18 Army teams, 6 CG teams, 20 NDRF teams participated in the rescue operations. 16 IAF helicopters, 70 NDRF boats, 403 fishing boats used today for rescue operations: Pinrayi Vijayan

Update at 8:50 PM: "Since May, 324 people have died,"says Kerala CM Pinrayi Vijayan

Update at 8:10 PM: 17 trains between Karnataka and Kerala has been cancelled, 8 stand partially cancelled and 2 has been diverted due to heavy rains, land slips, flash floods

Update at 8:04 PM: Telangana CM KCR Garu has announced assistance of Rs. 25 Crore and 10 reverse osmosis plants worth 2.5 Crore towards the flood hit Kerala

Update at 8:02 PM: Kerala rain forecast:

Update at 7:35 PM: Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has announced Rs 10 crore contribution to flood-hit Kerala

Update at 7:28 PM: Jet Airways to operate additional flight to Trivandrum from Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Update at 7:24 PM: DGCA has asked the scheduled domestic airlines to mount additional flights to and from Kerala.

Update at 7:23 PM:

Update at 7:19 PM: Karnataka state run transportation KSRTC services stalled due to heavy rains and landslides.

Update at 7:12 PM: Southern Railways dispatched 7 BRN wagons with tanks carrying 2.8 lakh litre of drinking water from Tamil Nadu's Erode.

Update at 6:32 PM: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman gives an update on operation Madad 

Update at 6:26 PM:  

Update at 6:22 PM: Punjab chief minister has announced Rs 10 crore relief for flood-hit Kerala

Update at 6:14 PM: 

Update at 6:07 PM: Visuals from rescue camps, Kochi

Update at 6:05 PM: 80 Dams opened up

Update at 6:05 PM: Over 1500 relief camps are set up

Update at 6:00 PM: Death toll mounts to 324, two lakh people displaced 

Update at 4:56 PM: 

Update at 4:47 PM: NDRF team in action at Muvattupuzha ,Ernakulam, Kerala

Update at 4:46 PM: Pregnant woman rescued by Indian Navy earlier delivers her baby 

Update at 4:27 PM:

Update at 4:19 PM: Press Release: Flood Relief Operation by Indian Army in Kerala 

As on date total of 10 flood relief columns, each having an approximate strength of 65 personnels are carrying out rescue operations in ten districts of Kerala. The details of flood relief columns are as under:-

Update at 4:14 PM: Rescue & relief material distribution work at Venniyode in kothathara panchyat taluk vaitri, Wayanad

Update at 4:14 PM: NDRF teams evacuated 183 people from village Kozhencherry, Kerala

Update at 3:35 PM: The Supreme Court today asked the Sub committee to examine and find ways out and if possible to ensure that the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam won't cross 139 feet

Update at 3:35 PM: NDRF team helping people at village Edavaka, Waynad, Kerala

 

Update at 2:15 PM: Here's the complete list of deployment under the Kerala Floods rescue mission by armed forces as on August 17

Update 1:15 PM: 

Indian navy airlifts a pregnant lady who was stuck in the floods in Kerala.
 

Update 12:50 PM: 

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman provides update on the support given by central government to Kerala.
 

 

 

 

Update 12:30 PM: 

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan takes note of the ground situation in the state as rescue operation continues.

Update 12:15 PM:

The Navy has been deployed in large numbers in many parts of Kerala. The diving teams and rescue teams have been sent.
 

 

 

Update 11:52 AM:

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan: Since August 8, a lot of deaths have taken place and the rescue operations are still underway. The helicopters by Air Force have been sent to the more affected areas for rescue operations. To Chalakkudi and other areas we have sent boats. For Chengannur and Chalakuddi, boats are difficult, hence we're sending helicopters. 11 helicopters have been deployed. In Idukki and Wayanad, the rains have reduced now.

Pinarayi Vijayan: Death toll due to floods has risen to 164.

Update at 11:19 AM:

Coast guard releases a press statement:

INDIAN COAST GUARD RESCUE AND RELIEF OPERATIONS IN KERALA 

Indian Coast Guard directed 4 ICG Capital Ships to enter Kochi and join the CG Disaster and Relief Team already operating at various locations of flood affected districts of Kerala. 24 CGDRT are already working at various places in flood hit villages. Indian Coast Guard so far has rescued 1840 people in distress and guided 4688 people to safer locations. Around 470 Coast Guard personnel are engaged in the relief operations. 94 additional lifebuoys has been mobilised and are being used by the rescue teams.385 life jackets is in use as of now for rescue operations in various places in flood hit areas. 24 Gemini Boats are in use and additional 06 being mobilised shortly. 7 inflatable liferafts and 04 Air droppable life rafts have also been put to service. Coast guard helicopters have been pressed for rescue of people from rooftops and inaccessible locations. Currently Coast Guard Teams are operating in Ranni, Pathanamthitta, Aluva, Ernakulam, Paravur, Aranmula ,Idukki,Feroke, Chengannur, Thrissur, Chalakudy, Nedumaserry, and Puthukadu.

Update at 11:18 AM: 

4 Capital Ships of Indian Coast Guard have reached Kochi and joined the Disaster and Relief Team. 24 teams are already working in flood-affected villages. Indian Coast Guard so far has rescued 1764 people and guided 4688 people to safer locations: ANI

Update at 11:11 AM:

An update regarding the relief and rescue operations launched by the Army and Navy:

Army (Operation Sahayog) - Around 15000 people rescued across Kerala in the last 9 days of operation which is being carried out by the Pangode military station and the Defence security corps Kannur. 

IAF (Operation Karuna) - Almost 170 people rescued in the last 2 days by airlifting and winching. On Friday afternoon Air Marshal B Suresh will address the media in Thiruvananthapuram Airport technical area

Update at 11:03 AM: Visuals from Peravoor that give an idea of the extent of the flooding:

Update at 10:36 AM: The Kerala Chief Minister's office has reiterated the red alert that has been issued and the weather update by the IMD

Update at 10:26 AM: BSNL Kerala announces unlimited free calls for seven days

Update at 10:26 AM: More assistance to be provided by the Army to flood-affected Kerala for rescue operations

Update at 9:43 AM: Official figures regarding casualities, missing cases and relief camps

Update at 9:43 AM: Visual of submerged Kochi airport

Update at 9:43 AM: Kodagu-Mangalore highway blocked in Makanur area due to heavy incessant rainfall

Update at 9:21 AM: Prime Minister constantly taking updates from Kerala CM on flood situation:

Update at 8:49 AM: Additional requirement of assets requested by Kerala Govt has been immediately deployed for relief work

Update at 8:49 AM: Army sent to rescue people stranded in Chalakudy town. Kerala revenue minister E Chandrashekharan has said that Army personnel with helicopters, boats and other equipment have been sent to Chalakudy to rescue the stranded people

Update at 8:49 AM: India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy rains till Sunday

Update at 8:44 AM: 83,000 people displaced, many stranded in their houses awaiting rescue

Update at 8:44 AM: Death toll mounts to 94

Update at 8:39 AM: Prime minister will reach Kochi on Friday and will take an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas on Saturday morning

Update at 7:39 AM: The Kochi International Airport on Thursday extended the suspension of all services up to 2 pm on 26 August

 Update at 7:39 AM: IMD realised 24 hours non-stop rainfall on 16th August 2018

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The Kochi International Airport on Thursday extended the suspension of all services up to 2 pm on 26 August, with large parts of the facility flooded. Thousands of people are stranded in flood-hit areas in Ernakulam, Thrissur, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha districts are waiting for rescue teams. Most of the people are trapped on the roof tops and upper floors of houses, apartments and hospitals for two to three days without drinking water, food and medicines. They include a large number of sick and aged people, women and children.