Watch: PM Modi conducts aerial survey of flood-hit Kerala, announces aid of Rs 500 crore
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation in flood-hit areas in Kerala as he conducted an aerial survey in Kochi.
PM also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh per person to the next kin of the deceased and Rs.50,000 to those seriously injured, from PM’s National Relief Funds (PMNRF).
He also announced Rs 500 crore as immediate aid for Kerala, in addition to the 100 crore announced earlier.
#WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducts an aerial survey of flood affected areas. PM has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh per person to the next kin of the deceased and Rs.50,000 to those seriously injured, from PM’s National Relief Funds (PMNRF). #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/T6FYNVLmMu
— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018
PM Modi was accompanied by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor P Sathasivam and Union Tourism Minister KJ Alphons during the survey.
Kerala is hit by major devastating flash floods due to the continuous heavy rains from past few months.
The worst floods in a century in Kerala have killed 324 people and forced more than 200,000 into relief camps with the toll expected to rise as heavy rain pushes water levels higher still.
As the southwestern coastal state's chief minister sought military reinforcements to boost rescue efforts, a disaster management official said that, since the monsoon season started about three months ago, more than 324 people had died due to flooding and landslides.
As the waters have risen, many people have found it increasingly hard to access food and other basic amenities, or to reach safety.
#WATCH: Aerial visual of flooded Kalady as rain continues to lash the state. #KeralaFloods (17.08.18) pic.twitter.com/lhu4oR50H7
— ANI (@ANI) August 18, 2018
According to reports, more than 30 military helicopters and over 300 boats are attempting rescue operations across Kerala.
PM Modi arrived in the state capital on Friday night and flew into Kochi earlier in the day.
Before returning to Delhi, Modi is also expected to chair a meeting with the officials to discuss the situation.
Media reports say PM May declare the floods as a "national calamity" as the devastating flood worsens with time.
Meanwhile, United Arab Emirates will form a committee to help flood-hit areas of Kerala. Sheikh Khalifa has instructed the formation of a national emergency committee to provide assistance to the people affected.