Kerala rains: Toll now at 79, Modi calls CM Pinari Vijayan to discuss situation

The water level in Achankoil river at Alappuzha's Kollakadavu continued to rise following heavy rainfall across the state.

Due to flood situation in most parts, authorities declared a holiday for educational institutions in all districts barring Kasaragod today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinaryi Vijayan to discuss flood situation in the state.

He also asked the Defence Ministry to step up the rescue and relief operations across the state.

"Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked the Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala," Modi tweeted.

Kerala has been witnessing incessant rain since past few days, causing flooding and landslide in the state. So far, at least 79 people have lost their lives in the havoc.

As the flood situation continues to grow worse in the state, rising level of water in Muttom Metro Yard area led to the suspension of train services at Kochi Metro on Thursday. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation bus services have also been stopped from Chamarajanagar district for Tamil Nadu`s Ooty and Kerala's Kochi.

Taking note of the crisis, Southern Naval Command has suspended all training activities to support in the flood relief operations as requested by Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). All resources have been mobilised for rescue and relief efforts in Ernakulam and Trichur cities in the state.

(With inputs from agencies)