Kochi, August 22: While Kerala reels under the effects of the worst floods in nearly a century, people with bigoted mindsets have time and again come up with their absurd claims about reasons for the torrential rains in the southern state. Chakrapani Maharaj, National President of All India Hindu Mahasabha sparked a controversy on Wednesday after saying people who eat beef have been punished in the recent floods in Kerala. According to a tweet by Times Now, Chakrapani said help should be extended to Kerala but to only to those who don't eat beef.

Earlier this week, hateful trolls blaming women for the Kerala floods, asking people to not donate to ‘a state of beef-eaters’ have been doing rounds on social media. Kerala has witnessed the worst flooding in a century as torrential rains lashed the state since August 8. The death toll due to the deluge has increased to 357. The southern state has suffered a loss of Rs 19,512 crore. The Central government, various states, individuals and communities have come forward with financial aids to help in the relief and rehabilitation process.

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In the last week, the Centre declared the floods in Kerala as a 'calamity of severe nature' announced released Rs 600 crore relief package for the flood-hit state. 'Onam' and Eid celebrations are going to be a subdued affair this year in Kerala. Due to floods, there have been several cancellations for 'Onamsadya' as well. The state government has also cancelled Onam celebrations.

According to a report by PTI, the government is unlikely to accept any foreign financial assistance for flood relief operations in Kerala, official sources said. They said the government has taken a considered decision to rely solely on domestic efforts to tide over the situation. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has offered USD 100 million (around Rs 700 crore) as financial assistance for flood relief operation in Kerala.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2018 01:27 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).