Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 28: The Onam season liquor sale in Kerala dipped by Rs 17 crores this year as the state was ravaged by massive floods in fortnight period leading up to the festival on August 26.

As per the figures released by the Kerala State Beverages Corporation, in the ten-day period between August 15-26, alcohol worth Rs 516 crore was sold. In the corresponding period last year, the liquor sale measured at Rs 533 crore.

The dip is primarily due to the devastation caused by the floods in Kerala. Over 10 lakh people were displaced and 302 lost their lives in what has been described as the worst floods in the last 100 years.

Of the 270 designated retail outlets, 60 were closed during the Onam season period due to the floods. At least 15 liquor outlets were yet to be opened till Monday.

Onam, which is the biggest festival of Kerala celebrated by all castes and religions, was observed in sombre manner this year due to the devastation caused by the floods. The state government had cancelled all scheduled events.

At the relief camps, Onam was celebrated in a simple manner with the tradition Kerala food offered to the displaced populace.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan lauded the spirit of Kerala on this occasion of Onam, saying the spirit and verve of the state will help it overcome the nature's fury. He also appealed the Keralite diaspora in all parts of India and the world to donate their one-month's salary for rebuilding the state.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2018 09:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).