Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 18: Despite internet services and electricity clamped down in parts of Kerala due to the incessant rainfall and inundating floods, people can share their locations with rescue workers using the plus code, said Google.

The search engine giant on Saturday issued a statement advising the flood-hit populace of Kerala to share their exact locations to rescue workers using the plus code if they are offline.

The plus code refers to a series of six-seven letters and numericals, along with the name of the town or city. To find the plus code, Android users need to open the Google Maps application and press on any point in the virtual map to pin it. On the tapping the address or description given below, the plus code appears on the screen.

In absence of the internet, the code needs to be shared over phone calls or using mobile SMS. After obtaining the code, the rescue worker or the victim's family needs to enter the same in the Google Map to reach the spot.

Thousands are feared to be stranded in several parts of Kerala as 8 of the state's 14 districts are still inundated under water. The death toll has climbed to 324, whereas, over 2.3 lakh have taken refuge in the near-1,500 relief camps put up by the state.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has appealed for help from all quarters, claiming that the magnitude of losses incurred by the state amounts to nearly Rs 10,000 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Kerala last night to take stock of the situation, announced an immediate aid of Rs 500 crore. The state governments of Haryana, Punjab and Delhi have announced an aid of Rs 10 crore each, Odisha has announced a donation of Rs 5 crore, whereas, the Telangana government will be providing Rs 25 crore.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2018 04:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).