Kerala's situation is 'grave', says Supreme Court; Defence chiefs meet as death toll mounts to 94

The Supreme Court on Thursday described Kerala's flood situation as "grave" anddirecteda high power committee to convene a meeting by Friday on the rising water level in the Mullaperiyar dam.

The apex court agreed to hear a plea seeking Centre's mediation between Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments on the release of water from the Mullaperiyar dam.

Pinarayi requested Tamil Nadu CM Palaniswami to direct authorities to release water from the dam in order to bring the water level down to 139 ft.

Unabated rainfall and rising level of flood water prompted authorities to open floodgates of as many as 33 dams and reservoirs across the state. As many as 94 have been killed in flood and rain-related accidents in Kerala.

Rise in flood waters in Periyar River due to the rains and the opening of shutters of all major dams, including Mullaperiyar, Cheruthoni, part of Idukki reservoir, and Idamalayar, has severely affected lives of people in Kerala's low-lying areas.

Meanwhile, the National Crisis Management Committee held a meeting to review Kerala floods today. Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs attended the meeting along with Defence secretaries.

A Red Alert was sounded on Wednesday in 12 of 14 districts in Kerala. Kerala authorities on Thursdaysounded a Red Alert in all 14 districts.

Operations at the Kochi airport have been suspended till August 18 and flights were being diverted to various airports.

Kerala says the total loss due to floods is estimated to be around Rs8,000 crore.