Save our souls, pleads a desperate Chengannur MLA

Chengannur MLA Saji Cheriyan has made a desperate plea through the media to save thousands of people stranded in his constituency following the severe flooding. “Please help us. I beg you to send helicopters to Chengannur area for rescue operations. Otherwise, at least ten thousand people will perish. Air-lifting is the only way to save us,” he said.

The MLA said that all he could do with his political influence was to bring some fishing boats to Chengannur. “However, it has not helped matters. Moreover, even my vehicle is virtually floating,” he pointed out.

Cheriyan sought urgent action to deploy the Army in the area. “Kindly save us,” he pleaded.

PM in Kerala

Meanwhile, prime minister Narendra Modi arrived at Thiruvananthapuram in a special aircraft on Friday night to take stock of the flood situation in Kerala. After reaching the state capital Modi retired the day at Raj Bhavan. At 7 am on Saturday, he flew to the Naval Airport in Kochi in the same aircraft accompanied by Kerala governor P Sathasivam and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

From the naval airport, the prime minister will tour the flood-affected areas in a helicopter. After returning to Kochi, Modi will hold a discussion with the chief minister and other functionaries. He will fly back to New Delhi in the evening.

Situation still serious: CM

Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the flood situation in the state continued to be serious. Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts are the worst affected, he said. “Thousands of people are stranded. Rescue missions are being carried out on a war-footing,” said Pinarayi.

The Met Department has forecast heavy rains in Ernakulam and Idukki on Saturday also. Isolated heavy showers will be witnessed in other districts. On Sunday, the rain is expected to ease. In view of the situation, a red alert has been sounded in 12 of the 14 districts in Kerala. The alert is not in force in Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod.