Thiruvananthapuram: Operations to rescue people from the flooded areas in Kerala have entered the final phase. Though 30,000 people are still in the inundated areas of Chengannur and 10,000 are still surrounded by flood waters in Kuttanad, the police claimed that these are people who do not want to come out from these marooned zones.
Kerala finance Minister Thomas Isaac said whoever wanted to come out has been shifted out and the rescue mission in Kuttanad has officially ended. Food and water have been provided to those still in the flooded areas.
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has taken over the supervision of the larger relief camps in Chengannur. People are returning from relief camps to Puthankavu, Arattupuzha and Malakkara areas of Chengannur where floodwaters have receded. Marks left by the floodwaters show that the Pampa water flowed at the height of four persons in Chengannur.
Of the nearly 10,000 people still remaining in Kuttanad, about 4,000 are in the relief camp at an Edathua college. Several people are reportedly staying in boat houses.
The Upper Kuttanad area in Pathanamthitta district is still inundated. The district collector said only few people remain to be rescued. He asserted they will be moved to safety on Tuesday.
Full restoration of power will take two weeks. Flood waters have damaged 266 transformers.
Meanwhile, road traffic has been restored to Wayanad except through Palchuram.
Toll collection stopped
There will no toll collection till August 26 on Paliyekkara in Thrissur district, Pambam Pallam in Palakkad, Kumbalam toll in Ernakulam, the National Highway Authority of India has said.
Kochi airport to operate from Aug 26
Flight operations from the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), which has suffered an estimated loss of over Rs 220 crore due to floods, are expected to resume from August 26,
Stepping up security at camps
Taking mobile selfies will not be encouraged at relief camps.
Alappzuha district collector has aid that drunk people will not be allowed inside the camp and strict action will be taken against them. Female NCC and SPC cadets will be deployed to ensure the safety of women at the camps.
