Kerala floods: CM Pinarayi Vijayan calls emergency meeting

Kerala floods: CM Pinarayi Vijayan calls emergency meeting as death toll rises to 27

Twenty-two people have been killed in Kottayam and Idukki, two of the worst-hit regions in the south.

New Delhi: As the death toll from flood-related incidents in Kerala rises to 27, Prime Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday (October 18, 2021) morning called an emergency meeting to calculate the situation between the rain-affected areas. Twenty-two people have been killed in Kottayam (13) and Idukki (9), two of the worst-hit regions in the south.

As water lines grow in many dams due to heavy rains within Japan's water reservoirs and hilly areas, the Kerala authorities have also issued a general warning to the general public that the doors of the beautiful dams can be lifted, following the eruption.

The Idukki Dam, one of Asia's largest dams, has risen to 2,396. Ninety-six toes on Monday also sounded the Orange warning. The total number of pools in the Idukki dam is 2,403 toes.

     The Orange warning has been issued about the Pamba dam and the Kakki dam could be opened early in the afternoon, said Energy Minister Veena George, a Pathanamthitta regional average.

The low-lying districts of Cherickal, Poozhikadu, Mudiyoorkonam and Kurambala near Pandalam, along the banks of the Achankovil River, were flooded. A warning was also heard near banks near the areas of Aranmula, Kidangannur and Omalloor.

Meanwhile, national authorities have appointed ADGP's Vijay Sakhare as chief executive officer in charge of coordinating rescue and recovery operations.

      Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sadness that a few people had risked their lives in the wake of heavy rains and landslides in Kerala and conveyed their condolences to the bereaved families. He also called on Prime Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and pointed out the situation from the rains.

      "He spoke to Kerala CM Shri @vijayanpinarayi and spoke about the situation that took place during the heavy rains and landslides in Kerala. Authorities are rushing to help the injured and affected," said Prime Minister Modi.

    "I pray for everyone's protection and well-being," he added.

     Union Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah also said the Center would provide all assistance to the people of Kerala, who have been hit by heavy rains and subsequent floods.

    He wrote on Twitter that authorities were constantly monitoring the situation in Kerala during heavy rains and floods.