Thiruvananthapuram, August 18: Heavy and incessant rains have wreaked havoc in Kerala. The death toll in the flood-hit state has risen to 324. According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received 619.5mm of rainfall till August 16, almost thrice the normal. Last year, Kerala received 244.1 mm of rain till this time. The southwest monsoon is vigorous over the southern state of the country. The IMD has also predicted heavy rainfalls for two more days in Kerala. The red alert has been issued in 11 of the 14 districts.

The Indian Defence Forces are carrying out rescue operations along with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). The forces have launched Operation Madad to rescue people stuck in floods. The Indian Army has made 13 temporary bridges to reconnect 38 remote areas. Till date, a total of 3627 personnel have been rescued till date, including 22 foreign nationals by the Army. A column of 120 Engineer Regiment has evacuated and provided relief material to 50 stranded civilians in the general area of Aluva and Kalady in Ernakulam District using Engineer Boats. The Indian Army has a total of 10 flood relief columns, 10 Engineer Task Force, 53 BAUTs are in rescue and relief operations.

The Indian Air Force has also launched rescue operations. IAF helicopters have winched and evacuated the stranded people from the rooftop of their houses and safely dropped at various relief camps. The Garud Commandoes are also involved in the rescue work. The Indian Navy is also conducting relief and rescue operations in the flooded districts of the state. The naval wing of the Indian armed forces yesterday rescued a pregnant lady. The lady with water bag leaking has been airlifted and evacuated to Sanjivani. Later the lady delivered a baby, both are reported to be fine now.

A pregnant lady rescued by the Indian Navy:

Food and other eatables also have been provided by the forces in the flood-hit areas. Yesterday, Captain Rajkumar (Shaurya Chakra) of the Indian Navy had winched 26 people to safety in a single sortie. He showed great skills to land the Seaking 42B chopper on a narrow rooftop.

Kerala has been reeling under murderous monsoon since August 8. Kochi airport has been closed till August 26.  Various states have announced financial aid to Kerala. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister K J Alphons, today conducted an aerial survey of some of the areas affected by the flood.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 18, 2018 05:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).