Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surveyed the severely flood-hit Kerala through helicopter to assess the gravity of the situation. Kerala is witnessing the most savage flood situation in over a century. Looking at the dire state of the land,an immediate relief of Rs. 500 crore has been announced for Kerala. 
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stated that over 324 people had been killed in the last nine days and over 2 lakh people displaced. Till now, 42 Navy, 16 Army, 28 Coast Guard and 39 National Disaster Relief Force teams were engaged in rescue operations. Another 14 NDRF teams are expected to reach shortly. Earlier Home Minister Rajnath Singh had undertaken and aerial survey of the flood-ravaged state and the centre had extended a Rs100 crore package.
Flood water from the Periyar river and its tributaries has submerged many towns in Ernakulam and Thrissur. An emergency situation has developed in Alapuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Pathanamthitta districts, where roads have become completely submerged. Thousands of people are still perched on trees and rooftops, waiting to be rescued. Telecom operators had announced free calls and data, extension in bill payment due dates and other relief measures for subscribers in Kerala. “To help you stay in touch with your loved ones and remain connected, we are extending a complimentary 7 days unlimited voice & data pack to you,” Jio said in a message sent to customers.
