Modi speaks to Vijayan over Kerala rains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today over the flood situation in the state.

Modi told him that the Centre stood firmly behind Kerala and ready yo provide any assistance. "Centre stands firmly with the people of Kerala and is ready to provide any assistance needed," he tweeted.

Rains in Kerala have claimed 47 lives, officials said, adding that a red alert had been sounded in 12 of the 14 districts.