Kerala rains: Death toll rises to 37, state on high alert

Kochi, Aug 11: At least 37 people were killed, nearly 54,000 left homeless while dams and rivers overflowed, parts of highways collapsed, and homes were swept away in severe flooding across the state as the heavy downpour continued for the fourth day on Saturday.

More than half of the 14 districts in Kerala have been put on high alert, officials said.

Congress President Rahul Gandhi also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to release sufficient funds to the Kerala Government.

Meanwhile, CM Pinarayi Vijayan has also appealed to all to contribute generously to restore life in the state. He has also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of deceased and Rs 10 lakh to those who lost their property in the Floods.

The CM is visiting the flood-affected areas of Idukki, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Wayanad, Kozhikode & Malappuram districts.