Most of our water treatment plants are submerged, providing drinking water is our priority: Kerala CM Vijayan 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday described the ongoing flood fury in Kerala as something that had never happened in the history of the state wherein "almost all dams have been opened". 

"Most of our water treatment plants are submerged, motors are damaged. We're keeping all this in mind but our priority is to get drinking water to the people," Vijayan stated.

Vijayan noted all "the officials are involved in the rescue and relief operations". 

He shared that the rains are likely to continue "for the next four days too".

"The neighbouring states have been helping us and we need their help in the future too," the Chief Minister stated. 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a conversation with CM Vijayan on Wednesday to discuss the flood situation in Kerala. 

"Centre stands firmly with the people of Kerala and is ready to provide any assistance needed," PM Modi tweeted.

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Wednesday declared high alert in five districts.

CM Kumaraswamy directed Kodagu, Dakshina Kannada, Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga districts to be on high alert in view of heavy rainfall. 

Unabated rains in Kerala prompted authorities to open floodgates of various dams on Wednesday. According to reports, the rise in water levels has severely hit districts across the state killing at least 67 people so far. A Red Alert has been sounded in 12 of 14 districts. 

Operations at the Kochi airport have been suspended till August 18 and flights were being diverted to various airports.

MeT officials have predicted heavy rainfall accompanied by gusty winds with speed reaching 60 kmph to hit Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode districts.