The Consulate of Maldives in Trivandrum has revealed 63 more Maldivians have been safely transferred from Cochin to Trivandrum, the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala.
In a tweet, the consulate said 2 more buses from Cochin to Trivandrum is scheduled to depart from BG Hotel near Amrita Hospital. The consulate further added it is tirelessly working to facilitate the stay of Maldivians in Trivandrum and arrange early return to Maldives, in close coordination with Maldivian and Sri Lankan Airlines.
Due to current flooding situation resulting from heavy rain in India, Cochin International Airport will remain closed until August 26. Meanwhile, emergency workers stepped up their rescue efforts in Kerala after the worst floods in a century hit the region.
Officials said the floods have killed 164 people and forced more than 200 thousand people into hundreds of relief camps, with more misery expected as heavy rain pushed water levels higher.
Kerala has been hit with 37 percent more rainfall than normal since the beginning of this monsoon. More showers are expected over the weekend.