Kerala rain: Red alert in 3 districts; death toll rises to 91

With a let up in the torrential downpour and deluge that crippled Kerala, the state is limping back to normalcy. Rescue operations are progressing at several areas which were struck by deadly landslides and heavy floods.

The death toll increased to 91 and 2.52 lakh people have sought refuge in 1,332 relief camps across the state, officials said, fearing the toll may go up as many are still missing in Malappuram and Wayanad.

Twenty bodies have been recovered from landslide-hit Kavalappara in Malappuram and 39 are reported missing here. Seven are missing from landslide-hit Puthumala in Wayanad district.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has left for Malappuram and Wayanad districts on Tuesday, which were the worst affected.

Meanwhile, a fresh low pressure area taking shape over the Bay of Bengal, may trigger rainfall of varied intensity in its different parts on Tuesday.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted coastal districts may get more rains. The department has issued red alerts in Idukki, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts on Tuesday. Red alert has been issued for Malappuram and Kozhikode for Wednesday.

Malappuram, Wayanad, Thrissur, Kottayam, Kannur, Ernakulam and Kozhikode have announced that all educational institutions in the districts including the professional colleges will have a holiday on Wednesday.

The MET office issues Red, Orange and Yellow alerts. Yellow alert is to notify those who are at risk. Orange alerts are intended to ask those who are likely to be affected to be prepared and Red Alerts are intended to take action. As per the Indian Met Department Red alert is the gravest warning on deteriorating weather conditions.

Thunderstorm accompanied by rain and gusty winds with speeds reaching 30-40 KMPH likely in Ernakulam, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki, Alappuzha and Thiruvanathapuram districts, IMD forecast said.

In South Kerala, rising water levels in Kottayam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta remains a major cause of concern.

Wayanad, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Thrissur districts accounted for the most of the casualties. At least 808 houses have been fully damaged and 8,459 partially in rain-related incidents in the state.

KSRTC has restarted most of its long-distance services, while train services have resumed partially. The Cochin International Airport, which was shut on Thursday, opened on Sunday.

Addressing the flood-affected at a relief camp in Meppadi in Wayanad on Tuesday, Pinarayi Vijayan said, "the government is with you.. we need to overcome all difficulties and harships together."

Accompanied by Revenue minister, E Chandrasekharan and Chief Secretary, Tom Jose, the Chief Minister would also be visiting relief centres in Malappuram and hold discussions with people's representatives and officials.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday visited flood affected areas in his Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in the state, including the worst-hit Puthumala area, and assured all help to those hit by the calamity to rebuild their lives.

“I think the Central government needs to pay attention and aggressively support the people of these states," the Congress leader told reporters at Kalpetta after attending a review meeting with government officials on the flood situation in his constituency.

The CM directed district collectors to ensure all necessary facilities for people living in relief camps and sanitation drive is being conducted in a proper manner in flood-hit places.

Steps should be taken to restore power supply and drinking water distribution in rain-hit areas, he said.