Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan Pinarayi on Saturday announced ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of the kin of the deceased and Rs 10 lakh compensation to those who lost their houses and land during the ongoing flood in the state.
As torrential continued to lash several parts of Kerala, the State Government on Friday issued red alert in eight districts. The death toll in rain-related incidents rose to 29 while around 54,000 people have been rendered homeless in the state, officials said.
The Indian Army has launched a major rescue and relief operation. Apart from army, National Disaster Response Force, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, State Police and Fire Department are engaged in rescue operations.
Met Department has predicted heavy to heavy rains during the next 48 hours in the state.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to visit Kerala on Sunday. He also spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible assistance. In a tweet, Home Minister said Centre is closely monitoring the situation.
With the opening of all the five floodgates of the Idukki dam, water is rushing down the Periyar River and thousands of families who live along the river have been evacuated.
In Ernakulam, which is feared to bear the brunt of the water being discharged from Idukki and Edamalayar dams, over 9,000 persons have been shifted to temporary shelters.
At least 50 tourists, including 24 foreigners, stranded at the Plum Judy resort at Munnar since Wednesday were rescued and taken to safer places.
Ms Kalinga