Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. (File)
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said that if need be, he will hold discussions with the Centre over the former’s denial of a Rs 700 crore flood relief aid offered by UAE. “As soon as this (UAE) aid was announced, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that this was an indeed welcome gesture. Now with media reports, if need be, we will speak to the Prime Minister,” he told reporters.
Earlier in the day, Vijayan had said that UAE “cannot be considered as any other nation” as “Indians, especially Keralites, have contributed immensely in their nation-building”. Read more
In the past 14 years, India has refused aid from Russia, US and Japan for Uttarakhand floods in 2013, and for the Kashmir earthquake in 2005 and floods in Kashmir in 2014. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit last week, had announced an assistance of Rs 500 crore in addition to the Rs 100 crore announced by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Meanwhile, Southern Naval command Wednesday called off its 14-day long rescue operations in the flood-hit Kerala, saying there were no more requests for evacuation as waters receding in affected areas, PTI reported. It also said the Naval personnel rescued a total of 16,005 people during ‘Operation Madad’, launched on August 9 for assisting the state administration and undertaking disaster relief operations.
A step-by-step guide on how you can donate to the Kerala CM’s relief fund
CMO tweeted out and said that Pinarayi Vijayan shall be visiting different relief camps in the state to review the functioning of the camps. He will personally visit camps in the worst hit-area Chengannur apart from Kozhencherry, Alappuzha, North Paravoor and Chalakudy.
Nagaland Deputy CM Y Patton met Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday and gave a cheque on behalf of Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio for Kerala flood relief operations. Nagaland has announced an assistance of Rs 1 crore to the Kerala CM Relief Fund.
Income tax officials have decided to donate their one-day salary to aid the relief operations in flood-hit Kerala, news agency PTI reported.
"The Indian Revenue Service Association (an all-India body) expresses its deep concern and empathy with the disaster affected people of Kerala facing unprecedented floods in the state," according to an official statement issued today.
The statement said that all officers of the Indian Revenue Service (IRSS) Association will contribute at least one day's salary towards the disaster relief for the affected people of Kerala.
"We hope that the people of Kerala will soon overcome the calamity," it said.
Muslims collect fund for the victims of Kerala floods after offering prayers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday. (PTI Photo)
Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra visits the Kerala Flood Relief Collection Centre at the Supreme Court in New Delhi on Wednesday. (Express Photo by Tashi Tobgyal)
Vijayan has termed the Opposition leaders' charges that all dams were opened at once as "baseless". Idamalayar and Idukki dams were opened after proper inspection and deliberation with officials, he said.
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"I have come across reports that the Centre might not accept the funds promised by UAE for relief. If need be, we will approach the Prime Minsiter and have a discussion on it," said CM P Vijayan.
The Kerala government has decided to organise a farewell on August 26 to express its love & gratitude towards the various defence forces who helped in relief and rescue operations in the state, CM Pinarayi Vijayan said.
The CM thanked the Indian cricketers for dedicating their victory in England to the victims of Kerala floods. He also expressed his delight to see children coming to front and donating their life savings towards the relief fund.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan said the police, fireforce and health officials are actively working in the relief operations. He also urged those who have returned to see their homes destroyed in the floods to stay strong and that together they shall overcome this crisis.
Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan extended his gratitude towards the security forces for undertaking the herculean task of rescue operations in flood-affected Kerala. Addressing a press conference, he said that rescue operations are on the verge of completion.
The Southern Naval command today called off its 14-day long rescue operations in the flood-hit Kerala, saying there were no more requests for evacuation as waters receding in affected areas, news agency PTI reported.
It also said the Naval personnel rescued a total of 16,005 people during 'Operation Madad', launched on August 9 for assisting the state administration and undertaking disaster relief operations.
"The Southern Naval Command recalled all rescue teams deployed for #OperationMadad as flood waters receded and no more requests for rescue were received," a Defence release said here.
Indian skipper Virat Kohli Wednesday dedicated his team's 203-run victory over England in the Trent Bridge test to the Kerala flood victims. Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Virat said, "We, as a team, want to dedicate this win to the flood victims in Kerala. This is our bit we can do as the Indian cricket team. A tough time there. "
'Unfortunately, I am sorry to say that the financial assistance announced by the Government of India is quite disappointing as far the magnitude of the crisis is concerned'- Former CM Ommen Chandy in a letter to PM Modi #KeralaFloods pic.twitter.com/J9fmfe0XWn— ANI (@ANI) August 22, 2018
With the central government hesitant to accept the offer of Rs 700 crore made by crown prince of Abu Dhabi for relief and rehabilitation works in Kerala, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that UAE “cannot be considered as any other nation” as “Indians, especially Keralites, have contributed immensely in their nation building.” Read more
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor held high-level briefings at the United Nations Headquarters in Geneva on Aug 20-21 on Kerala floods to identify avenues through which international organisations,the UN & the Red Cross, can support relief, rehabilitation&rebuilding operations in Kerala. Read more
Actor Jayaram handing over new Onam clothes to flood affected at a relief camp in Ernakulam district. (Express photo)