Death toll from Indian floods rises drastically
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NEW DELHI - The death toll from major floods in India's tourist hotspot Kerala has jumped to 164, state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said Friday, issuing a fresh heavy rainfall warning for the battered region.
Kerala's government has described the crisis — one of the worst in decades — as "extremely grave" and rescue operations are underway to help thousands who remain trapped by floodwaters.
"The chief minister has confirmed 164 deaths. Around 100 people died in the last 36 hours alone," an official in the Kerala government's public relations department told AFP.
Local reports indicated an even higher toll with thousands still waiting for relief and rescue across the flood-ravaged state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that he had discussed the flood situation with Vijayan as more troops and rescue workers were deployed across Kerala.
"Later this evening, I will be heading to Kerala to take stock of the unfortunate situation," Modi said on Twitter.
