There is no respite for the people of Kerala from the incessant rains, and lakhs of people are in relief camps across all districts in the state. Rescue operations are being conducted by the NDRF, army, navy and the coast guard on a war footing.
On Thursday morning, officials from Pathanamthitta have said that the water levels in certain areas have subsided but thousands are still stranded in their homes especially in the Ranni area where houses have been flooded up to the second floor, forcing the people to stay on the terraces.
With water levels of the Periyar near the Railway bridge close to Aluva rising dangerously, all train services have been temporarily suspended along the Ernakulam-Alappuzha route.
Trains that were on their way to Palakkad have been cut short.
Metro services in Kochi have also been temporarily suspended.
Train services from Aluva-Angamaly have been temporarily stopped due to the rains. Water levels at the Aluva railway bridge have been increasing. Trains have been delayed due to the landslide at Vallathol Nagar in Vadakkanchery.
Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday told the press that the death toll over the last one week has risen to 67, with 25 people reported dead on Wednesday alone. On Thursday, 46 people had lost their lived as per official figures, by 5pm.
"The situation is grave, the rain is expected to continue. I spoke to the Prime Minister and President. I also asked the Prime Minister to speak to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister about bringing down the water level in Mullaperiyar dam,” the CM said.
A red alert has been issued in all the 14 districts of the state.
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