Dated 17/08/2018 Time: - 1430 Hrs.

The rescue & evacuation operations by NDRF in flood ravaged Kerala has entered into the ninth consecutive day today where torrential rains, overflowing rivers and a series of landslides have cut off vast swathes of land in the southern State.

2. In view of continuous heavy rainfall and forecast of more rains by weather forecast department, NDRF airlifted its 33 additional teams from NDRF base Ghaziabad (U.P), Vododara (Gujarat), Bhatinda (Punjab), Patna (Bihar), Nadia (W.B) and Mundali (Odisha). 51 NDRF teams are deployed in Kerala. Each NDRF team is self-contained by all means to respond to all forms of aquatic disasters.

3. Despite, heavy rains and unfavourable weather conditions, each & every efforts are being made by NDRF responders to make access to each marooned person. Yesterday, NDRF teams rescued 36 persons and evacuated 2796 from Pathanmithitta, Ernakulum, Idukki, Trissur, Kozhikode, Alappuzha and Wayanad.

4. So far, 44 persons rescued & over 4,319 persons evacuated by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams since their deployment in Kerala. Operations are still going on.

5. Director General, NDRF is personally supervising the on-going rescue operations by NDRF in Kerala. A 24x7, NDRF control room is monitoring the situation round the clock and is in close touch with other agencies/stakeholders.

Issued By :- PR Cell, NDRF HQ, New Delhi.