Kochi, August 10: Heavy rainfall in Kerala triggered flood situations at several places across the state, bringing normal life to a halt. The death toll due to floods and rain-related incidences increased to 42 on Saturday, reports informed.  In the wake of the current situation, over 64,000 people have shifted into 738 relief camps across the rain-battered state. The worst affected districts include Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, Wayanad, Kasargode and Idukki and the deaths have also been reported from these areas. Kerala Floods: Heavy Rains Wreak Havoc, Red Alert Issued in 4 Districts; 10 Killed.

According to a tweet by ANI, rescue teams on Saturday reached Kavalappara in Malappuram where more than 30 people are feared missing after a landslide hit the area on August 8. Rescue operations being hampered due to bad weather.

No Need to Panic, Says CM Pinarayi Vijayan

In the wake of the deluge, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sought the Indian Army's help in relief and rescue operations. Vijayan assured the people that there is no need to panic at all as the situation is under control.

"If one compares with the floods that took place the same time last year, this time it's not that serious. As a government, we have taken every precaution and there need be no panic, but just be alert," said Vijayan.

Wayanad Worst Affected

The worst affected district in the southern state is Wayanad. There has been 260 mm of rain in Wayanad. A huge landslide has marooned around 2,000 people in Meppadi in the district. According to reports, of the 22,165 people in 315 relief camps in the state, Wayanad has 9,563 people in 105 relief camps, the highest in the state.

Heavy Rainfall to Continue in Coming Days

The meteorological department has predicted more rains in the coming days, especially in the hilly areas of the state. According to a weather bulletin, North Kerala is going to be affected by winds. The prediction is that in the days to come, the intensity of the rains is going to come down, but on August 15th, it's going to rain heavily. Monsoon 2019 Mayhem: Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra Reel Under Floods As Rains Gain Pace; Check Places Where Alerts Have Been Issued.

Kochi Airport Shut Till Sunday

After flood water reached the taxiway at the Kochi airport due to torrential rains, authorities at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) announced sudden suspension of flight operations on Friday. The decision left hundreds of passengers stranded. The airport will resume operations at 3 p.m. on Sunday.  CIAL Director A.C.K.Nair said the decision to close the airport was taken after flood water reached the taxiway. "We first decided to shut it till midnight, but then extended the closure till Sunday looking at the rising water in Periyar river.

In the wake of the current weather conditions, flight, road and air services have been badly hit. The Indian Railways cancelled 12 trains and many had to be diverted. Road traffic has also been thrown out of gear with many stretches vanishing under water.

In 2018, incessant rainfall and floods from May-end to mid-August killed 483 people and forced at least 14.50 lakh persons to take refugee in over 3,000 relief camps across Kerala.

 

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 10, 2019 09:57 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).