Floods in Kerala: The spread of diseases is a major concern, owing to the lack of clean drinking water.

An all-party meet called by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, over Kerala's flood situation, is currently underway. The meeting is being chaired by Mr Vijayan.

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has pitched in Rs 700 crore for relief and rebuilding efforts.

Efforts to restore lives back to normal are underway in Kerala. On Monday, the first commercial flight landed at the INS Garuda Naval Base in Kochi. Phone connectivity and ATM services have been restored in many areas. The state's water authority and electricity board are trying to restore supply in areas that have been without power and tap water for days. Union minister KJ Alphons has reiterated that Kerala is in dire need of skilled workers.

The spread of diseases is a major concern after Kerala floods, owing to the non-availability of clean drinking water. The health ministry has set up 3,700 medical camps across the state and put six specialized medical teams on standby. Trains had earlier delivered RO purifiers and drinking water to the state. As for people still trapped, Drones are being used to assist in reaching people trapped in areas not easily accessible.

Here are the highlights on Kerala floods:





Aug 21, 2018 19:31 (IST) Indians in UAE warned against illegal fund raising



Indian expats enthusiasm to help flood victims in Kerala should not lead them to the wrong side of the law on fund raising in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), India's Ambassador warned, according to news agency IANS.



"The feedback received from the UAE government suggested that some individuals and organisations are involved in fund raising. I have to draw the attention of fellow Indians to the local laws (on fund raising)," Navdeep Singh Suri told the media on Monday.



He said only organisations that have special permission from the UAE's Community Development authorities can collect money and remit it abroad, the Gulf News reported on Tuesday.



Aug 21, 2018 19:29 (IST) Indian Army helps restore water treatment plant in Kerala's Aluva. It restores water supply to around 3 lakh citizens



The Indian Army's official Twitter handle tweeted saying the Engineer Task Force from the College of Military Engineering repaired a water treatment plant in Kerala's Aluva.

The restoration of the water treatment plant enabled water supply to around 3 lakh citizens, according to the tweet.

#Update#KeralaFloods2018. Engineer Task Force from College of Military Engineering #IndianArmy led by Major Ravishankar repaired Water Treatment Plant Aluva. Enabled restoration of water supply to almost 3 lakh citizens. #OpMadad@PIB_India@SpokespersonMoD@HQ_IDS_Indiapic.twitter.com/o3m81s6TyE - ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 21, 2018

Aug 21, 2018 19:26 (IST) Navy officials meet Sajita Jabeel,the pregnant lady who was airlifted in Aluva and later gave birth to baby. Commander Vijay Verma said,"It was a challenging rescue. The end-result,a baby being born, it's a joy like nothing else. A sense of personal satisfaction."

Kochi: Navy officials meet Sajita Jabeel,the pregnant lady who was airlifted in Aluva&later gave birth to baby.Commander Vijay Verma says,"It was a challenging rescue. The end-result,a baby being born,it's a joy like nothing else. A sense of personal satisfaction."#KeralaFloodspic.twitter.com/2PH3A9E7fh - ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018

Aug 21, 2018 19:24 (IST) Indian Air Force tweets a video of rescue efforts it is involved in



#KeralaFloodRelief : Glimpses of rescue & relief operations carried out by Indian Air Force to save precious lives in Kerala.#SavingLives#KeralaFloodspic.twitter.com/jtnZvPByaJ - Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 21, 2018

Aug 21, 2018 19:23 (IST) Kerala Floods: The Indian Air Force tweeted saying its C-17 aircraft was loaded at Air Force Station Halwara with relief material for flood affected people in Kerala.

#KeralaFloodRelief : C-17 aircraft of Indian Air Force is being loaded at Air Force Station Halwara with relief material for flood affected people in Kerala.#SavingLives#KeralaFloodspic.twitter.com/tQYXf7KWxO - Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) August 21, 2018

Aug 21, 2018 19:01 (IST) Kerala Floods: Crocodile At Chalakudy In Thrissur, Snakes Take Over Kerala's Flooded Homes

People returning to flood-battered homes in Kerala from relief camps have found them being invaded by snakes, other reptiles and insects. People returning to flood-battered homes in Kerala from relief camps have found them being invaded by snakes, other reptiles and insects.

Aug 21, 2018 19:01 (IST) 2 teams have been constituted to deal with public health issues in Kerala and the moment the water recedes they will be in action. 10 specialist doctors team is ready. We have also sent our team from Bengaluru to Kodagu (Karnataka): Union Health Minister JP Nadda said, according to news agency IANS

Aug 21, 2018 17:27 (IST) Kerala Floods: PM Could Have Been More Generous: CPI On Centre's Assistance To Kerala

The Communist Party of India today said and the centre's assistance of Rs 500 crore to flood-battered Kerala was "too little", and Prime Minister Narendra Modi could have been "more generous" towards the state.

The Communist Party of India today said and the centre's assistance of Rs 500 crore to flood-battered Kerala was "too little", and Prime Minister Narendra Modi could have been "more generous" towards the state.

Aug 21, 2018 16:51 (IST) Kerala Floods: Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan holds all-party meet



An all-party meeting chaired by Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan is currently underway in Kerala's capital Thiruvananthapuram.







Aug 21, 2018 16:20 (IST) "Salute the spirit of people of Kerala, Army, Air Force & Navy": Shatrughan Sinha tweets



Shatrughan Sinha in 2 tweets, saluted the "spirit of Kerala, the Army, Air Force & especially the Navy". He also praised "the efforts of Govt. of India & Govt. of Kerala".

I also salute the spirit of people of Kerala and applaud the efforts of Govt. of India & Govt. Of Kerala during the biggest catastrophe in the history of Kerala. Long live Kerala - "Gods Own Country". - Shatrughan Sinha (@ShatruganSinha) August 21, 2018

Aug 21, 2018 16:10 (IST)

#KeralaFloods#OpMadad#KeralaFloods2018#KeralaFloodRelief A team of 4 sailors deployed at Pizhala island for last 12 days hv rescued 1459 people so far from Pizhala/Kothad/ Moolamvelli/Chennur Is/ Cheriumthururh Is/ Periumthuruth Is&

Kadamkuddi island. Well Done (file pic) pic.twitter.com/OTwY5G4dXE - SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) August 21, 2018

Aug 21, 2018 16:09 (IST)

#Update#Keralafloods2018 #IndianArmy Medical teams has provided medical aid to more than 746 personnel. Medical teams moved from Trivendrum & Secunderabad. Befitting their motto SARVE SANTU NIRAMAYA medical teams working tirelessly to provide relief #OpMadad#KeralaFloodReliefpic.twitter.com/mTB9coPcA7 - ADG PI - INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) August 21, 2018

Aug 21, 2018 16:08 (IST)



Aug 21, 2018 14:55 (IST) Russian President Vladimir Putin writes to President Ram Nath Kovind and PM Modi, expresses condolences over lives lost in #Keralafloodspic.twitter.com/LU1Y1pZtFt - ANI (@ANI) August 21, 2018

Aug 21, 2018 14:40 (IST) A moratorium was announced for bank loans in the flood affected areas, which will be applicable to both commercial and cooperative banks. However, the behavior of some private financial institutions is disturbing. Some have even approached people living in relief camps for collecting interests. Such appalling practices must be stopped: Kerala Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan



Aug 21, 2018 14:26 (IST) Details of deployment in Kerala. The Navy has scaled down the rescue operations it started 12 days ago. The Chief Minister, has however, assured that rescue efforts will not stop "until the last person stranded is brought out".







Aug 21, 2018 14:17 (IST) Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel help rescue people in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala



Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel help rescue people in Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala

Aug 21, 2018 13:54 (IST) Rescue Ops Reach Fag End, Time To Rebuild Kerala. UAE Pools In 700 Crores

It has been a merciless monsoon for Kerala. The torrential rain over the last two weeks took nearly 200 lives, rendered lakhs homeless and sleepless. The floods have caused colossal damage to the picturesque coastal state which depends massively on tourism. The infrastructure has suffered multiple fractures." It has been a merciless monsoon for Kerala. The torrential rain over the last two weeks took nearly 200 lives, rendered lakhs homeless and sleepless. The floods have caused colossal damage to the picturesque coastal state which depends massively on tourism. The infrastructure has suffered multiple fractures."

Aug 21, 2018 13:14 (IST) Medical teams of the Indian army give medical aid to people in Kerala. The teams moved from Trivendrum and Secunderabad.



Medical teams of the Indian army give medical aid to people in Kerala. The teams moved from Trivendrum and Secunderabad.

Aug 21, 2018 12:45 (IST) "As the flood is receding in Kerala people have to move to whatever is left of their homes. Need ready to eat cooked food, clothes and an army of electricians, plumbers and carpenters," KJ Alphons said

"As the flood is receding in Kerala people have to move to whatever is left of their homes. Need ready to eat cooked food, clothes and an army of electricians, plumbers and carpenters," KJ Alphons said

Aug 21, 2018 12:25 (IST) UAE has been one of the first countries stand in solidarity with the people in Kerala. "The people of Kerala have always been and are still part of our success story in the UAE," UAE's vice president Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum had tweeted.

Aug 21, 2018 11:54 (IST) United Arab Emirates (UAE) has extended Rs 700 crores as financial assistance to rebuild Kerala.

Indian-origin billionaire businessmen based in the UAE had announced Rs. 125 million donation for flood relief operations in the deluge-hit Kerala. Kerala-born businessman Yusuff Ali MA, chairman and managing director of Lulu Group, had announced a Rs. 50 million donation for rain-battered Kerala. KP Hussain, chairman of Fathima Healthcare Group, has donated Rs. 50 million. He said that Rs 10 million out of 50 million will directly go to the Kerala Chief Minister's relief fund

Aug 21, 2018 11:46 (IST) Kerala government to recommend a special assembly session on August 30 to the governor. At 4pm today, an all-party meet called by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan is also scheduled.

Aug 21, 2018 11:41 (IST) Rescue operations underway in Ernakulam District.



Rescue operations underway in Ernakulam District.

Aug 21, 2018 10:57 (IST) Please write to lokerala@gmail.com and/or rckerala@gmail.com for any queries on sending relief material for Kerala Floods: NDMA

Please write to lokerala@gmail.com and/or rckerala@gmail.com for any queries on sending relief material for Kerala Floods: NDMA

Aug 21, 2018 10:40 (IST) Aid consignment to Kerala to be exempted from tax

India stands with Kerala in this hour of need. Central Government is exempting basic customs duty and IGST for the consignments of aid and relief materials being despatched or imported from abroad for the affected people: Piyush Goyal tweeted



Aug 21, 2018 10:12 (IST) As Kerala grapples with the worst floods in over a century, state Forest Minister K. Raju is on a trip to Germany. Mr Raju left for on August 16, when the crisis peaked, to attend seminars along with other party colleagues.

Mr Raju is a CPI lawmaker from Punalur in Kollam district. His constituency is one of the most affected in the floods, that have killed 237 people across the state since August 8.









Aug 21, 2018 09:53 (IST) Amid the fury unleashed by floods in Kerala, fishermen have emerged as heroes. Hundreds of fishermen rushed to flooded areas Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts .with their boats. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had offered Rs. 3,000 to all fishermen and some of them had refused money for saving lives .



Amid the fury unleashed by floods in Kerala, fishermen have emerged as heroes. Hundreds of fishermen rushed to flooded areas Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts .with their boats. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had offered Rs. 3,000 to all fishermen and some of them had refused money for saving lives . Read

Aug 21, 2018 09:34 (IST) In worst-hit areas, parts of Thrissur and in Chengannur, rescuers are searching houses for bodies of people who died after being trapped in fast-rising floodwater. "They didn't think that it would rise this high - 10 to 15 feet at some places - when the initial warnings were issued," said Ashraf Ali KM, who is leading the search at Mala town in Thrissur.

Aug 21, 2018 09:24 (IST) Air Force's C-130J on Monday, airlifted a team of 96 doctors led by Medical Education Minister of Maharashtra Girish Mahajan, from Mumbai to Trivandrum.







Air Force's C-130J on Monday, airlifted a team of 96 doctors led by Medical Education Minister of Maharashtra Girish Mahajan, from Mumbai to Trivandrum.

Aug 21, 2018 08:53 (IST) Amid the ongoing rescue efforts, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had warned against the spread of misinformation.

An ex-serviceman was charged for allegedly spreading false information on flood relief work carried out by the government and the military. Unni Nair, working at a firm which takes in retired army personnel, has been booked for spreading false information on the ongoing relief work, the police said.

The man posted a video message on social media, which went viral, soon after which the army tweeted "Imposter wearing Army combat uniform in video spreading disinformation about rescue & relief efforts. Every effort by all & #IndianArmy aimed to overcome this terrifying human tragedy (sic)". Read



Aug 21, 2018 08:41 (IST) Kerala Floods: "Don't Have Words": Kerala Family's Devastating Homecoming After Floods

Kerala flood: The scale of devastation after Kerala's worst floods in a century is emerging as families return to their homes after days in relief camps. Suresh John and his family left their two-storey house in Chalakudi when the floodwaters rose 10 feet, almost submerging the building. They were forced to leave the dog." Kerala flood: The scale of devastation after Kerala's worst floods in a century is emerging as families return to their homes after days in relief camps. Suresh John and his family left their two-storey house in Chalakudi when the floodwaters rose 10 feet, almost submerging the building. They were forced to leave the dog."

Aug 21, 2018 08:31 (IST) The centre declared the devastating floods in Kerala a "calamity of severe nature" as the state braced for the gigantic task of reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure and rehabilitation of lakhs of people rendered homeless.

The centre declared the devastating floods in Kerala a "calamity of severe nature" as the state braced for the gigantic task of reconstruction of destroyed infrastructure and rehabilitation of lakhs of people rendered homeless.

Aug 21, 2018 08:26 (IST) Visit special page on Kerala for the latest stories, updates and where, what how to donate. Click here Visit special page on Kerala for the latest stories, updates and where, what how to donate.

Aug 21, 2018 08:23 (IST) Kerala government has called for an all-party meeting over flood situation in the state at 4 pm today in Thiruvananthapuram.

Kerala government has called for an all-party meeting over flood situation in the state at 4 pm today in Thiruvananthapuram.