Flash flood goes down in Indian history: all dams released, 40,000 people evacuated, 37 people died
Kerala state is experiencing unprecedented and devastating floods, forcing authorities to release all dams and evacuate 40,000 people.
| Dams must release floodwaters in Kerala state, India. Video:Times of India. |
Unprecedented floods at Indian tourist destination, 37 people died
Dams must release floodwaters in Kerala state, India. Video:Times of India.
At least 37 people have died and 40,000 have been evacuated after heavy rains caused severe flash floods in the Indian state of Kerala, a popular tourist destination, PH Kurian,State relief officials toldCNNAugust 12th
After heavy rains caused landslides and overflowing reservoirs, the state government decided on August 10 to release water from dams to prevent the risk of disaster. The massive flooding caused widespread flooding, delayed many flights and forced local schools to close.
"Our state is experiencing unprecedented devastation from floods," Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on August 10."For the first time in history, all 27 dams in the state had to release floodwaters. The state has never seen a disaster of this scale."
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A house in Kozhikode district, Kerala state was destroyed by floods on August 9. Photo:PTI. |
More than 400 rescue workers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed for relief operations, according to India's Home Ministry.Several army, navy and coast guard personnel were also deployed to the area.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast that heavy rains will continue in the coming days.
The state of Kerala located along the tropical Malabar coast of southern India is a popular tourist destination.Some tourists have also been affected by the flooding. Rescuers rescued 54 tourists from the Plum Judy resort on August 10.
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Shiva Temple in Kochi district, Kerala statePartially submerged in floodwaters on August 9. Photo:AFP. |
