Kochi, August 13: Slamming the Centre over its Rs 100 crore relief for the flood-hit state, Kerala Finance Minister Dr TM Thomas Isaac on Monday said that the state has incurred a loss of Rs 8,000 crore and the relief by the Central government was not enough. Incessant rains across the state have killed 39 people so far and nearly 1,01,000 people have been displaced. After a heavy downpour since the past week,  14 districts in Kerala are still on high alert.

Reports inform that Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had sought Rs 1,120 crore as immediate relief in a petition on Sunday, against a damage caused due to heavy rainfall in the state. According to the state disaster management cell, a damage of about Rs 8,316 crore in life and properties has been reported so far.

On Sunday, Union home minister Rajnath Singh undertook a day-long aerial survey and said more money will be provided after a detailed study of the flood-hit parts. “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 ₹100 crore,” Rajnath tweeted.

In the wake of heavy rainfall, two more shutters of the Idukki dam were opened on Friday to accommodate the additional flow of water. On Thursday, the administration was compelled to open the sluice gates of Cheruthoni dam on Idukki reservoir, for the first time in 26 years as the inundation was so severe.

In July, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) had issued an 'orange alert' after the water level in the dam touched 2,395 feet, which is prior to the 'red alert' that will be issued when it reaches 2,399 feet. Similarly, an 'orange alert' was issued at Kakki dam in Pathanamthitta, a central Kerala district.

Heavy downpour created a havoc since the last week and triggered flood-like situations in the state. However, the water level in the Idukki and Idamalayar reservoirs reduced, bringing some relief, with the authorities saying there was no need for any panic for people living downstream, officials said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2018 01:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).