The Andhra Pradesh government on Friday extended help to its Kerala counterpart, which is currently tackling one of the worst floods in the history of the state. Taking to Twitter, Andhra Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced that the state will contribute Rs 5 crore for the relief work in Kerala.
"Have been receiving updates about areas affected badly by floods in Kerala. Taking all measures to help those stranded by floods and contributing Rs 5 cr for relief work. Help the victims and donate to Kerala's Distress Relief Fund," Naidu tweeted.
Have been receiving updates about areas affected badly by floods in Kerala. Taking all measures to help those stranded by floods & contributing Rs 5 Cr for relief work. Help the victims & donate to Kerala's Distress Relief Fund: https://t.co/R2z4vs9tjr@CMOKerala @vijayanpinarayi
— N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) August 17, 2018
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he discussed the flood situation in Kerala with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. "Had a telephone conversation with Kerala Chief Minister just now. We discussed the flood situation across the state and reviewed rescue operations. Later this evening, I will be heading to Kerala to take stock of the unfortunate situation due to flooding," he tweeted on Friday.
A large number of helicopters, boats and officials has been pressed into service to mass evacuate those stranded in inundated areas. It has been reported that various fishermen in Kerala will also be involved in the rescue activities on their fishing boats.
Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Idukki, Wayanad and Malappuram districts are the most affected areas in the state with most rivers in full spate.
The rain in Kerala has killed at least 75 people in the last few weeks and has caused loss of properties worth crores.
Thousands across the state are still stranded with rescue operations in full swing. This comes even as several people have mobilized essentials and are donating to help the state tackle the disaster.
Meanwhile actor Siddharth, on Thursday, urged people to contribute whatever they can to the people affected by the floods in Kerala. Calling it ‘Kerala Donation Challenge,’ Siddharth tweeted with a proof of the amount he had donated to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund and also posted a letter encouraging others also to contribute.