Kerala Floods: Death toll reaches to 324, 2 lakh people shifted

Kerala, Aug 17: In the latest update, Kerala rains have killed 324 people over the last nine days, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said, issuing a fresh rain alert for the battered state.

Nearly 2 lakh people have been displaced. The state, battling floods, and landslides plunged deeper into crisis today, with hospitals facing a shortage of oxygen and fuel stations running dry. Rescue efforts have been progressing on a war footing and Mr Vijayan said he has spoken to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who will reach Kerala this evening.

"Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps," read a tweet from the Chief Minister's Office.

"I spoke to the defense minister this morning and asked for more helicopters," Mr Vijayan told a news conference in state capital Thiruvananthapuram earlier today. "In some areas, airlifting is the only option ... thousands are still marooned," he said, adding that he planned to send 11 more helicopters to the worst-hit places.

An alarming situation has developed in Alapuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta, where roads have become completely submerged. Almost all parts of Thrissur and Chalakudy towns are under water. Water has even started entering relief camps. More boats and four choppers have been deployed in the area.

This morning, Prime Minister Narendra 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."

Though the met office has said he rainfall will continue till Saturday, the intensity has lessened slightly.

Twelve more teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been sent to Kerala, reported news agency Press Trust of India. Altogether, 35 teams are expected to reach the state by evening. The Coast Guard has stationed three ships at Kochi.