Shortage of medicine, drinking water for Kerala flood survivors

The death toll from the worst flooding to hit India’s Kerala state in a century has jumped to 357 with losses to infrastructure pegged at almost $3bn.

The idyllic tourist hotspot has been badgered by torrential monsoon rains since the end of May, triggering landslides and flash floods that have swept away entire villages.

“Since May 29, when the monsoon starts in Kerala, a total of 357 people have lost their lives until now,” a statement from the state’s information officer said on Sunday, with 33 losing their lives over the last 24 hours.

“According to preliminary estimates Kerala’s losses due to the floods is 19,512 crore rupees ($2.9 bln). Actual losses can be estimated only after the water recedes,” the statement said.

More than 350,000 people have taken shelter in 3,026 relief camps as thousands of army, navy and air force troops fan out to help those still stranded.

Roads and 134 bridges have suffered damage, isolating remote areas in the hilly districts of the state which are worst affected.

The state chief minister has requested more funding as well as 20 more helicopters and 600 motorised boats in order to step up the rescue efforts.

Al Jazeera’s Andrew Thomas, reporting from Venmony in Kerala state, said the makeshift shelters needed clean drinking water.

“The thing that is really needed, ironically, is water. Clean drinking water is much needed,” he said.

“They also need medicine for diarrhoea, rehydration powders and wipes to clean things.”

The Indian government has pledged $71m for victims of what state chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan called “the worst floods in 100 years”.

Rescue efforts have been impeded by the monsoon rains that continue to batter the region.

Residents were seen swimming and wading through chest-high waters past partially submerged homes.

The international airport in Kochi is also flooded and closed temporarily.

According to India’s weather bureau, since the beginning of June, more than 321cm of rain has fallen on the hilly central district of Idukki, which is now virtually cut off from the rest of the state.

The Kerala government has said it faces an “extremely grave” crisis and Vijayan warned of further torrential rainfall hitting the region over the weekend.

The gates of dozens of dams and reservoirs across the state have been opened as water levels reach dangerous levels, inundating many other villages.

SOURCE: Al Jazeera and news agencies