Maldivian Consulate in Trivandrum has revealed efforts are ongoing to transfer Maldivians from Cochin to Trivandrum following severe flooding in Indian state of Kerala.
In a tweet, the Maldivian Consulate stated, so far, 157 Maldivians have been transferred from Cochin to Trivandrum. Daily bus services have been arranged near Amrita Hospital in Cochin, according to the consulate. 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, 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. The state put the combined death toll from floods and landslides since the start of the rainy season at 324, with more than 2 million people forced to move into relief camps. The floods have destroyed over 26,000 homes and damaged crops stretching as much as 40,000 hectares, with estimated losses of USD 4 billion.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a financial assistance package worth USD 71 million.