New Delhi, Aug 20: Saying flood relief was running "very well", Union Minister K.J. Alphons said on Monday that Kerala needed thousands of electricians, carpenters and plumbers to repair and rebuild damaged homes and buildings.

"Things are running very well and all central forces are providing amazing services," Alphons told NDTV news channel.

"Fishermen have turned out to be the biggest heroes. We thank the people of India and other countries for sending help and showing compassion, but we need technical help when the water level goes down.

"There is no electricity or mobile connectivity. The homes are gone so we need thousands of electricians, carpenters and plumbers to rush to Kerala. The biggest challenge right now is to rebuild. We need people with technical skills to put life back on track," Alphons said.

The Minister said relief teams had been working tirelessly to rescue people and to ensure food, water and medicines reach every person since the worst floods in a century ravaged the state this month.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 20, 2018 07:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).