CPI leader TS Chandran died during rescue operations at the flood-hit Kuttanad in Alappuzha district, on Thursday night. He had slipped into a canal while he was on his way to buy materials for a relief camp at Kanjippadam in Ambalapuzha.

When Chandran did not return, people at the relief camp began searching for him. His body was recovered later.

Incidentally, his family is also living in the camp. Chandran has been active in the rescue operations.

“The water inflow was deep in the canal. As there is no connectivity of vehicles in the region, he decided to walk to the shop,” CPI Alappuzha district committee secretary TJ Anchalose told TNM.

He is a member of CPI Ambalapuzha North local committee and was its former secretary. “He has been active in rescue operations ever since the district was hit by the floods,” Anachalose added.

His body was cremated after the post-mortem at the Alappuzha Medical College.

Alappuzha is one of the worst affected districts in the flood-hit state. With heavy rains on Thursday, the situation turned grim. In addition to Ambalapuzha, Chengannur and  Kuttanad taluks were also affected due to the rising water level.

Hundreds of families, who were stranded at homes, have been shifted to relief camps. As per statistics, as many as 2,23,000 people are housed in the 1,568 district camps opened across the state.

Kerala has been witnessing the worst floods of the century with a red alert issued in 13 districts. Over 35 dams have been opened to release water in the fast-filling reservoirs. As many as 164 people have lost their lives in Kerala since August 8 due to the rains and rain-related calamities.

Rail and road connectivity have been completely disrupted in several areas of the state.

Officers from the Crime Branch, Special Branch and other special wings of the state police have been mobilised to take part in the rescue and relief operations.