Kochi, August 17: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Thursday forecasted a slight reduction in intensity of heavy rainfall over Kerala and Karnataka in the next 48 hours. "Widespread rainfall with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is also very likely over Coastal & South Interior Karnataka and Kerala during the first week of August and decrease in intensity thereafter", the IMD said in its release.

The IMD further informed that during the second week of August, the rainfall activity likely to be below normal over most parts of the country except the northern parts of India. The Indian Coast Guard so far has rescued 1764 people and guided 4688 people to safer locations. A total of four Capital Ships of Indian Coast Guard have reached Kochi and joined the Disaster and Relief Team. Meanwhile, 24 teams are already working in flood-affected villages.

According to details by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, the death toll in Kerala flood has increased to 167, leaving scores injured. Reports by ANI inform that almost 1,65,538 people are residing in 1155 relief camps due to the natural disaster. The floods which wrecked 2857 houses, also damaged 3393 hectares of crop. The heavy downpour has disrupted connectivity in the region, bringing normal life to a standstill. Reports inform that no control rooms in districts are operational for information or help.

The Centre and the state government has launched massive rescue and relief operations in the state owing to the flood situation which is worsening by the day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit Kerala and undertake an aerial survey of the flood-ravaged areas on Saturday. A red alert has been issued in all 13 districts except Kasaragod. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association on Thursday said that Rs 30 lakh will be transferred for Kerala flood relief operations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 17, 2018 11:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).