Army and Indian Air Force are on standby for assistance.
Kerala witnessed heavy rainfall in Koottikkal and Kottayam district. Twenty-one people died in Kerala (Kottayam- 13 and Idukki- 8) due to rain and landslides. Rescue operation is in full flow in the affected regions of Kerala.
Kottayam Dist Collector Jayasree said that the situation is under control, but it will create havoc if it rains heavily during the night.
The dead bodies recovered are sent for post-mortem, and the dead bodies of all the missing persons reported are recovered.
NDRF team is conducting the rescue operation in Kokkayar, Idukki, which has witnessed landslides.
Defense PRO said that the Indian Navy from INS Garuda has drop relief material at landslide affected region of the Kottayam district of Kerala.
Two Air Force Chopper Mi-17 are on standby. He further said that one column of Army personnel from DSC Centre, Kannur with Engineering and Medical components, arrived at Wayanad for the rescue.
The Army has deployed three columns yet, including Engineering Task Force from Bengaluru.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan requested people to take all precautionary steps against the rain. One hundred five relief camps have been set up, and more centers will be set up soon.
According to Central Water Commission, the water level is rising in Madamon, Kalluppara, Thumpaman, Pullakayar, Manikkal, Vellaikadavu, and Aruvipuram.
Kerala Minister K Ranjan, in the landslide-hit region, said that Army and Indian Air Force are on standby for assistance.
The rainwater from the overflowing river Pampa has entered nearby houses after heavy rainfall in Pathanamthitta.
PM Narendra Modi tweeted that he spoke to Kerala CM and discussed the situation in the wake of heavy rains and landslides.
He further adds that authorities are working on the ground to assist the injured and affected.
He is praying for the safety and well-being of people. He also adds that it is saddening to see some people lose their lives due to heavy rain and landslides.
Union Minister Amit Shah said that he is continuously monitoring the situation in the parts of Kerala and praying for the safety of people.
National Capital Delhi witnessed light showers of rain too.
Uttrakhand on Red alert after rainfall
Higher hills of Kedarnath have received snowfall following rainfall as the temperature dropped around the area.
Dehradun District Magistrate Rajesh Kumar ordered all schools and anganwadis to remain close on 18 October 2021 in the wake of a heavy rain alert.
Chamoli DM Himanshu Khurana has requested visitors to Badrinath temple to stay at safe locations in the wake of heavy rainfall warnings.
They have been advised to stay back at Joshimath and Pandukeshwar until the situation improves. All schools in Chamoli will remain close on Monday.
The forest areas of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Gopeshwar, are on high alert from 17 October to 19 October, the wake of heavy rainfall. All mountaineering groups and trekking camps are barred from entering the region.
Uttrakhand CM has requested Char Dham Yatra devotees to postpone traveling by 2-3 days. He said that he had inquired about the situation from the Chief Security. Police, SDRF, and other personnel are kept on alert at sensitive places in the state.
India Meteorological Department has issued Red Alert for heavy rainfall in Uttrakhand on 18 October 2021 and Orange Alert on 17&19 October. IMD asked the state government to remain alert and make necessary arrangements.
All schools in the district of Uttarkashi are ordered to be closed by District Magistrate Mayur Dikshit.
