Kerala flood: Additional NDRF teams deployed for rescue operation

Additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in flood-hit Kerala for the rescue operation, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said on Thursday.

Singh also spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the flood situation. "Had a telephonic conversation with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the prevailing flood situation in the state. The Centre is rushing additional NDRF teams to Kerala. We are providing all possible assistance. I am in constant touch with Kerala CM," he tweeted.

A Crisis Management Group Committee meeting is also underway at Home Ministry over Kerala floods under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha.

As the flood situation in Kerala is getting worse by the day, rescue and relief operation has been stepped up in the state. Earlier today, the NDRF teams evacuated 926 persons to a safer place at Pathamithitta, Kozzhikode, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Alappuzha district. Army also built a 35-feet long bridge and rescued around 100 people including children and senior citizens from Malampuzha's Valiyakadu village.

Meanwhile, 82 tourists are still stranded inside a bus in Munnar as all routes are either flooded or blocked due to mudslides.

Kerala has been witnessing incessant rain since past few days, causing flooding and landslide in the state. So far, at least 73 people have lost their lives in the havoc.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Kerala Chief Minister to discuss flood situation in the state.