Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 12: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who visited the flood-wrecked Kerala on Sunday, announced an immediate relief of Rs 100 crores to the state government.

Singh discussed the issues faced by 8 of the 14 districts of Kerala with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan earlier in the day. The 8 districts, including Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Wayanad, Kozhikode, Kannur and Idukki, have been worst affected by the unprecedented rainfall which led to floods. The region is still inundated under water despite rain subsiding over the last 24 hours.

While addressing the flood affected people at a relief camp, Singh said the Centre has comprehended the fact that Kerala has been struck by an unprecedented crisis, which would require massive efforts to overcome.

"I understand the suffering of the people of Kerala due to this unprecedented crisis. Since assessment of damages will take some time, I hereby announce immediate relief of additional Rs 100 crores," he said.

"Centre is extremely sensitive to the needs of the Kerala state at this critical juncture. The first installment of Rs 80.25 Crore of the Central share of SDRF for 2018-19 was released last month only," the Home Minister added.

"In order to supplement the efforts of the state government, just before leaving for Kerala I have approved the release the second installment of Rs 80.25 crore in advance for the SDRF," Singh further said.

The Centre has deployed ten columns of the Army, along with unit of the Madras regiment, to expedite the relief and rescue operation.

The death toll so far has been recorded as 37, with nearly 60,000 people shifted to rescue camps. Crops on more than 10,000 hectares have been completely wiped away in Wayanad district.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2018 07:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).