Thiruvananthapuram, August 19: Heavy and incessant rains have wreaked havoc in Kerala. The Indian armed forces are carrying out relief and rescue operation in the flood-hit regions of the state. The forces along with National Disaster Response Team (NDRF) have launched the Operation Madad to evacuate people to safe locations. However, during this difficult situation, an imposter is spreading fake information about relief and rescue operations in the state wearing an army uniform. Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) has tweeted refuting his claims.

An Imposter spreading fake information about relief and rescue operations:

The army has also given a WhatsApp number so that citizens could reach out to them directly. ADGPI in its tweet said, “Imposter wearing Army combat uniform in video spreading disinformation about rescue & relief efforts. Every effort by all & #IndianArmy aimed to overcome this terrifying human tragedy. Forward disinformation about #IndianArmy on WhatsApp +917290028579. We are at it #KeralaFloods.”

The Indian Army has made 13 temporary bridges to reconnect 38 remote areas of the flood-hit districts of Kerala. The forces have rescued around 4,000 people. Two columns of the army having 50-60 personnel each are involved in the operation. The army is also using two advanced light helicopters and two Chetak helicopters in the operation. Besides the Indian Army, The Indian Air force are also using two Mi-17 helicopters and one advanced helicopter to winch people stranded in the floods to safe locations.

Rescue Operations conducted by the Indian Army: 

Meanwhile, two Indian naval ships, INS Deepak and INS Mysore disembarked food and drinking water for the people who got stuck in the floods. Apart from this, 10 rescue teams of the navy are involved in the operation. The navy is also using 10 motorised boats, one advanced light helicopter and one Seaking helicopter in the rescue operation.

The floods caused by heavy and incessant rains have claimed the lives of 370 people. However, the rains have subsided in the state. Earlier in the day, the India Meteorological Department has withdrawn the red alert issued to the 11 of the 14 districts of the state. The department has also predicted moderate rainfall in Kerala for the next five days.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 19, 2018 11:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).