Thiruvananthapuram, August 14: The government of Kerala, in wake of the devastating floods that has killed more than 39 people and displaced over 30,000 people in the state, has decided to cancel the official Onam festivities, according to media reports.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reportedly announced the decision following the weekly Cabinet meeting, according to the English language daily The Hindu. 

The Kerala Chief Minister was quoted saying by the paper that it would be grossly inappropriate on the part of the government to celebrate Onam when "thousands of our fellow beings are suffering."

Vijayan also said that the state is seeking support from everyone to provide relief to all those who have suffered heavily due to the floods.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also said that various quarters including the neighbouring states, artists, government employees, private sector, and ordinary citizens have stepped in to help the distressed people in Kerala.

Earlier, film actor Mohanlal gave a cheque for Rs 25 lakh to the Chief Minister, said the report.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, on Sunday, announced an immediate relief package of Rs 100 crore to the flood hit state.

Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, called the natural catastrophe in the state as "unprecedented crisis" and said that all those people who lost their passport due to the floods, can get a new one free of charge by visiting the nearest centre.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 14, 2018 05:02 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).