Kerala floods: Death toll climbs to 324

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala), Aug 17 (ANI): The death toll in Kerala floods has risen to 324, Chief Minister Officer (CMO) of Kerala said on Friday.
The CMO, in a tweet, said that 324 lives have been lost due to floods and around 223139 people are in about 1500 relief camps. It also stated that Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years.

Kerala is facing its worst flood in 100 years. 80 dams opened, 324 lives lost and 223139 people are in about 1500+ relief camps. Your help can rebuild the lives of the affected. Donate to https://t.co/FjYFEdOsyl #StandWithKerala.

— CMO Kerala (@CMOKerala) August 17, 2018

Kerala has been witnessing incessant rainfall over the last few days, causing unprecedented flooding and landslides in several parts of the state.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinayari Vijayan and assured that he will visit the flood-hit state to review the situations. The Centre has also launched massive rescue and relief operations as the situation is getting worse with each passing day.
Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been asked to mobilize additional manpower, boats and helicopters to scale up the rescue and relief operations. Food packets and drinking water are also being rushed.
The Indian Railway, too, has extended a helping hand, with hundreds of wagon cars loaded with drinking water have been sent for those who have been badly affected by the rains and floods.
Earlier today, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) held a review meeting to take stock of the rescue and relief operations.
In the meeting, Cabinet Secretary PK Sinha directed these organisations to provide boats, helicopters, life jackets, life buoys, raincoats, gumboots, inflatable tower lights etc.(ANI)