Kerala floods: thousands flock to relief camps

People affected in Kerala floods flocked to relief camps in affected regions. The camps are operating round the clock to help the devastated people. Kerala struggled on Sunday to cope with floods that have inundated half the state, left at least 40 people dead and a trail of devastation that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan described as the worst disaster to have befallen the southern Indian state with a population of 35 million. Union home minister Rajnath Singh promised all possible central help to Kerala to deal with the unprecedented flooding after carrying out an aerial survey of the flood-hit areas with chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who sent out an SOS for help to “all quarters.” Singh announced immediate relief of Rs 100 crore to the state. The Kerala government put the total loss from floods at Rs 8,316 crore. Vijayan sought immediate relief of Rs 1,220 crore. The Union minister praised agencies involved in rescue and relief operations for their efforts and said more help will be announced after a visit by central government officials.