Water-level refuses to recede in Kerala following incessant rains since the past two weeks. Kerala government has stepped up rescue operations. Additional rescue teams have rushed to Aluva and Pathanamthitta, two of the worst affected places on Thursday. The Kerala chief minister's office has asked people living in the vicinity of Chalakudy river in Thrissur and flood-affected regions of Aluva to vacate their homes and shift to shelter homes. "Alert: the water-level in both Periyar and Chalakudy rivers will rise. People in 1km radius of Chalakudy, and those inside ½ km of radius of Aluva, must evacuate the place immediately," an alert from the CMO read.
"Air lifting has started in Chalakudy and Bhoothathankettu areas. Please stand in open areas on top of buildings and houses to avoid possible hindrances by trees. Floating devices, lifeboats and life jackets will be airdropped to stranded groups of 50 or more people," stated the Kerala CMO.
More units of NDRF and Engineering Task Force (ETF) have been already deployed in Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha. 12 additional teams of NDRF comprising about 540 personnel have rushed to Kerala. Ten additional copters from the Air Force have also been deployed for rescue operations. One column of Military Engineering Task Force(ETF) landed in Kozhikode.
Indo-Tibetan Border Police are conducting rescue operations in Thrissur district.
Meanwhile, water is slowly spreading across Kochi city, with main areas such as Aluva and Kalamassery inundated.
At least 59 people were killed in two days, Manorama News reported.