Kerala continues to reel under floods

Kerala's worst-affected Idukki district continued to reel under the impact of unprecedented floods today even as fresh rains were reported from several other parts of the state.

The weatherman has issued a fresh warning asking fishermen not to venture into the sea, saying the coasts of Kerala and Lakshadweep may experience winds at the speed of 35 to 45 kmph, sometimes going up to 60 kmph.

The water level in the Idukki hydro-electric dam has receded to 2,397.58 ft, alleviating concerns about floods in fresh downstream areas, particularly in Ernakulam district, officials said. The current level does not warrant issuing any warning, they said.

However, the five shutters of Cheruthoni dam, part of Idukki reservoir, will continue to remain open.

Water level in the dam had come down to 2,398.68 ft last evening.

Meanwhile, Ernakulam district authorities said more people who had taken shelter in relief camps in the district have gone back to their homes.

At present, 3,095 people are lodged in 17 camps in the district.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had made an aerial survey of two rain-ravaged districts--Ernakulam and Idukki- and said the situation in the state was "very serious". He had also announced an aid of Rs 100 crore as immediate central relief.

The minister had said the rains and floods had caused "massive damage" to the farm sector and infrastructure.

The state government has submitted a memorandum to the Centre seeking urgent sanction of Rs 1,220 crore from the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) to cope with the situation.

In the memorandum, the Chief Minister had said preliminary estimates suggested that Kerala suffered a loss of Rs 8,316 crore due to the calamity.