NEW DELHI, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in rain-related incidents across the southern Indian state of Kerala has risen to 26, officials said Wednesday.
A total of 26 deaths have been reported in the state due to the rain-related disaster. Eleven people have been injured, while four people are missing, said Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan at a press briefing after chairing a meeting on the ongoing situation.
According to the Chief Minister, 27,048 people have been displaced by heavy rains in the state.
Due to the rain-related disasters, 462 relief camps are currently functioning across the state, sheltering 27,048 people, he added.
Satheesan announced a series of relief measures for families affected by the ongoing rains, including enhanced compensation for those who lost their lives, houses and property.
He said crop damage has been reported in 1,882 hectares of farmland, affecting 23,537 farmers.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for heavy rain on Wednesday. As per the IMD bulletin released Wednesday morning, widespread rainfall was likely over Kerala, coastal Karnataka and Telangana from Aug. 5 to 11.
Parts of northern Kerala, including high-range areas of Kozhikode and Kannur received heavy rains since Aug. 1, triggering flooding and landslides. Floodwaters are yet to recede from most low-lying areas, and many houses remain inundated. ■
