Rain Fury In Kerala: 40 Killed In A Day Even As Rescue Operations Stepped Up

Floods in Kerala claimed 40 lives on Thursday even as rescue operations have been stepped up in the affected regions, Deccan Herald has reported. The death toll in the worst floods Kerala has received in a 100 years has now risen to 97.

The incessant rains have led to landslides in many areas with the landslides in Palakkad, Malappuram and Idukki districts having killed at least 15 people reportedly.

However, a respite from the rains is expected today (17 August) with flow to the Idukki and Idmalayar dams having decreased. The Kochi airport however, will remain closed until 26 August, having been completely submerged in the floods.

Airlines meanwhile have been directed to shift their flights to Trivandrum and Calicut airports.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that 80 dams in the state remained at maximum storage level. Finance minister T M Issac also announced a hike in excise duty on liquor from the current 0.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent to generate funds. The state is said to have taken a Rs 8,136 crore financial hit from the floods.