Kerala floods: Death toll rises to 73

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], Aug 16 (ANI): The death toll in Kerala flood has increased to 73. The state has been witnessing acute flood situation since past few days owing to incessant rain.
As the flood situation is getting worse by the day, the Centre has launched massive rescue and relief operations in the state.
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.
Earlier today, NDRF teams evacuated 926 persons to a safer place at Pathamithitta, Kozzhikode, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Alappuzha. Army also built a 35-feet long bridge and rescued around 100 people including children and senior citizens from Malampuzha's Valiyakadu village.
The Indian Coast Guard has also mobilised ten teams to assist District Disaster Management Authority in evacuating people from the flood-affected areas.
The Coast Guard relief teams have been placed at Patanamthitta, Munanbam, Aranmula, Idukki, Ferok-Calicut, and Allepy respectively whereas two relief teams each have been dispatched for Aluva and Chengannur. The teams are equipped with Gemini Boats for evacuating the stranded people especially women, children and senior citizens.
Meanwhile, Indo-Tibetan Border Police jawans rescued senior citizens in Arattupuzha village of Thrissur district.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to discuss flood situation in the state. (ANI)