From the CBC National: Rising waters, rising fears Flooding and landslides have killed at least 324 people in the southwest Indian state of Kerala, following eight days of heavy monsoon rains. More than 223,000 have been displaced and rescue crews are in a race against time as the waters — already up to two storeys deep in places — continue to rise. "We're witnessing something that has never happened before in the history of Kerala," Pinarayi Vijayan, the state's chief minister, told reporters today. "Almost all dams are now opened. Most of our water treatment plants are submerged. Motors are damaged." Hundreds of Indian military personnel are engaged in rescue operations, with helicopters plucking people off of rooftops and more than 500 boats cruising through flooded neighbourhoods. Local fishermen have also joined the efforts to ferry trapped people to safety. The government has opened 1,568 relief camps to provide shelter to displaced residents and more than 1 million emergency food packets have already been distributed. Three trains filled with drinking water are due to arrive soon.
A red alert is in place for 12 of the state's 14 districts, with what the country's meteorological office terms as 'vigorous' rains in the forecast for the weekend. Roads and railways have been severely damaged by the waters, and the main international airport in Kochi is submerged and will remain closed until at least Aug. 26. Countrywide, more than 930 people have died since India's monsoon season began in June. But Kerala has been the hardest-hit state, with the rain running 40 to 80 per cent above summer averages. The big fear now is that overflowing reservoirs may give way, sending tidal waves down the state's 41 rivers. The flooding has also destroyed crops in the fields, and there are worries that tourism — a major part of Kerala's economy — will suffer, even after the waters recede. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is travelling to the region today to survey the damage. Roland.
