BENGALURU/MUMBAI - The worst floods in a
century in the Indian state of Kerala have killed 164 people and
forced more than 200 000 into relief camps, officials said on
Friday, with more misery expected as heavy rain pushed water
levels higher.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was due to visit the southwest
state later on Friday as its chief minister said he was hoping
the military could step up help for the rescue effort which is
already using dozens of helicopters and hundreds of boats.
"I spoke to the defence minister this morning and asked for
more helicopters," Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told a news
conference in the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, adding that
he planned to send 11 more helicopters to worst-hit places.
"In some areas, airlifting is the only option ... thousands
are still marooned."
The floods began nine days ago and Vijayan said 164 people
had been killed - some in landslides - with about 223 000 people
forced into 1 568 relief camps.
Kerala is a major destination for both domestic and foreign
tourists.
The airport in the main commercial city of Kochi has been
flooded and operations suspended until Aug. 26 with flights
being diverted to two other airports in the state.
The office of the chief minister said heavy rain was falling
in some places on Friday. More showers are expected over the
weekend.
Modi said on Twitter he would travel to Kerala "to take
stock of the unfortunate situation".