Kerala Floods: Death toll rises to 167 in 9 days after heavy rains lashes out the state; PM Modi to make visit today
A 9 days after heavy rains lashed out the several places of Kerala following torrential floods and landslides the death toll rises to nearby 167. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took Twitter to share about his visit to the state. The PM Modi tweeted, "Had a telephone conversation with Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan just now. We discussed the flood situation across the state and reviewed rescue operations. Later this evening, I will be heading to Kerala to take stock of the unfortunate situation due to flooding."
The Supreme Court today asked the Sub committee to examine and find ways out and if possible to ensure that the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam won't cross 139 feet.
Had a telephone conversation with Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan just now. We discussed the flood situation across the state and reviewed rescue operations.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 17, 2018
Later this evening, I will be heading to Kerala to take stock of the unfortunate situation due to flooding. @CMOKerala
The PM Modi will reach to Kochi after attending the funeral of the three-time Prime Minister and veteran BJP leader, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, which is expected to take place around 4 pm. The operations at Kochi International Airport (COK) has been temporarily suspended till 18th August, Saturday at 2 PM due to the heavy rains.
Meanwhile, Domestic airlines have been asked to keep a check on air fares for flights operating to and from Kerala. Even, Telecom operators have announced free call and data services, extension in bill payment dates and other relief measures for seven days for customers for users in Kerala, reported NDTV.
As per Indian Express reports, 33 dams out of the state’s 39 have been opened till now. CIAL is working hard to drain out the stormwater. Emergency control room numbers: 0484 3053500, 2610094. However, Due to the devastating Kerala floods, Onam celebrations have been cancelled in the state.
Around 60 tourists including foreigners were stranded in a resort in Kerala's Munnar after the landslide blocks the roads, reported news agency ANI days ago. Sixty-nine tourists, including 20 foreigners, were stranded at a resort in Munnar in Kerala's Idukki district.
First published: 17 August 2018, 13:10 IST
