Kottayam: Incessant rains since Saturday in the south and central Kerala have claimed 18 lives while landslides in the hilly areas of Kottayam and Idukki districts. 22 people are feared missing in Landslides. In view of the deteriorating situation in Kerala due to rain, the state government has sought the help of the army for relief and rescue work. In this southern state of the country, information is also being received about the injuries of many people in the incidents due to rain. In view of the flood situation in the state due to rain, people living in low-lying areas have been shifted to safer places.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan called an emergency meeting on Saturday night in view of the deteriorating situation in the state due to rain. During the meeting, he said that the situation is really serious in some parts of the state. We will do everything possible to save people’s lives. We have sought help from the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Relief camps have been set up in the districts. The Chief Minister informed that the state government is monitoring the water level of all the dams. Three districts – Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, and Idukki – have been worst affected by the torrential rains.
At least 22 people are feared missing in the landslides in the hilly areas bordering Kottayam and Idukki districts. Two bodies have been fished out of a car after it was washed away in floods caused by rain in Idukki. Police say that both the bodies are yet to be identified. So far 16 people have died due to rain from Pathanamthitta and Kottayam.
Flood situations like in the years 2018 and 2019
A similar situation has arisen in the hilly areas of the Kottayam, Idukki, and Pathanamthitta districts during the devastating floods of 2018 and 2019. However, officials say that the situation is under control and there is no need to panic. Despite the claim, relief teams of the state police and fire department are unable to reach the affected areas due to floods and bad weather. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the situation is serious. Along with this, he said that the latest weather forecast is indicating that the situation will not get worse now.
‘Red alert’ issued for five districts
According to the latest information given by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), ‘Red Alert’ has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur districts. Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts are worst affected by the rains, which have been raining since Friday night.
Army deployed to help, Navy and Air Force also ready
Defense spokesperson said, “Mi-17 and Sarang helicopters have already been kept ready to meet the requirements. In view of the weather conditions in Kerala, all the bases of the Southern Command of the Air Force have been put on high alert. The Indian Army has already deployed troops in the flood-affected areas, the spokesperson said.
