13.8.19

Flood Fury: Over 10 lakh displaced, 184 dead


Government authorities have moved around 10 lakh people into emergency camps in recent days as the death toll from monsoon floods jumped Monday to at least 184. Rains continued to lash several states, particularly the south, where injuries and missing people have been reported. In these circumstances, relief is also pouring in from the government and civilians alike.

With rains subsiding in many parts of Kerala, search operations are on in landslide-hit Kavalappara and Puthumala in Malappuram and Wayanad districts, as the toll in the monsoon fury climbed to 76 and 2.87 lakh people have sought refuge in relief camps.

The toll is expected to go up as 50 people are still missing in Malappuram.

There is no ‘red alert’ of torrential rains for any of the 14 districts on Tuesday, but “orange alert” has been issued for six districts.

An “orange” weather warning means people should “be prepared” and there is an increased likelihood of bad or extreme weather, which may disrupt road and air travel and threaten life and property.

The state’s northern districts of Malappuram, Wayanad and Kozhikode and Idukki in central Kerala were the worst hit in the torrential rains.

Malappuram was rocked by a series of landslips triggered by heavy rain since August 8 at Kavalappara and Kottakunnu in which 24 people have died.

With the recovery of more bodies, including 24 from Malappuram, 17 from Kozhikode and 12 from Wayanad since August 8, the toll has gone up to 76.

In Malappuram, 59,351 people have been lodged in 240 camps.In neighbouring Wayanad, which was also rocked by a massive landslide at Puthumala, 12 people have lost their lives and seven are still missing.

Monday 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.

In Karnataka, a total of 5,81,897 people have been evacuated and rescued so far, and 1,181 relief camps have been opened where 3,32,629 people are taking shelter. A total of 2,694 villages in eighty-six taluks of 17 districts in Karnataka have been affected due to floods and rains. According to information available from the state government, the death toll is 42 so far, while 12 were missing.

Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Monday announced an assistance of Rs.5 lakh each to those who have lost their houses completely in the floods and landslides, to take up construction work. He has also announced Rs.1 lakh to those whose houses have been damaged, to take up repair work, and Rs.5,000 monthly to those staying in rental accommodation till their houses are ready.

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