Rains pound Kerala again; Rajnath Singh surveys flood-hit regions

Thiruvananthapuram: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday reached Kerala to take a stock of the situation as the state is facing a crisis following incessant rains, floods and landslides.

The minister conducted an aerial survey of the flood-affected regions of the state. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister K J Alphons also accompanied the Union Minister.are also with him.

Rains started lashing several parts of Kerala since Sunday morning, after a brief let-up on Saturday, posing problems to the relief operations being carried out by multiple agencies in flood-ravaged parts of the state.

However, the water level in the Idukki and Idamalayar reservoirs reduced, bringing some relief, with the authorities saying there was no need for any panic for people living downstream, officials said.

There were no fresh casualties reported since Saturday evening and the toll in the rain-related incidents stood at 37, they said.

However, the government remained on high alert with more rains forecast.

Despite the slight respite in rains, the red alert sounded in eight districts continues. The Met department has also predicted heavy to very heavy rain in the next two days. 

The eight districts on red alert are -  Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Idukki, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad and Kannur.

Officials said the water level in  Idukki reservoir had receded to 2400.26 ft by 8 pm on Saturday. 

According to reports, 60,622 persons are currently lodged in 513 camps. So far 101 houses have been damaged completely and 1,501 partially. 

Meanwhile, the chief minister has directed collectors and all agencies engaged in rescue and relief operations to maintain utmost vigil in the wake of Met department prediction of heavy rains till August 15.

In a telephonic conversation on Friday, Rajnath Singh had assured CM Pinrayi Vijayan all central help to the state government to deal with the rains and floods.