Rajnath Singh assures help to disaster-hit Kerala, will visit state on August 12

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday assured all possible assistance to the calamity-hit state. He will also visit the state on August 12. 

Meanwhile, Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted requesting Congress worker in Kerala to help the needy people.

He tweeted, "Unprecedented rainfall has created havoc in Kerala, destroying property and forcing thousands to abandon their homes. I urge each and every Congres worker in Kerala to step up and help those in need. My prayers and thoughts are with the people of Kerala in this difficult time".

The water level of the Idukki dam in Kerala was recorded as 2401.16 feet at 6 am on Saturday. The full reserve level of the dam is 2403 feet.

Heavy rains that lashed Kerala prompted authorities to open all floodgates of Idukki dam on Friday.

Reports suggested that the Cheruthoni town located close to the dam is worst hit.

Ernakulam and Thrissur districts have been put on red alert. As many as 29 people have died in rain, flood-related accidents in the state. 

According to state disaster control room sources, 241 relief camps have been opened and 15,695 people have been shifted from low-lying areas.

"The Government of India is providing all the required assistance including services of armed forces, disaster management team and other required assistance. Any other immediate assistance requested by the Government of Kerala will be provided," Union minister Alphons Kannamthanam said in a Facebook post.

Union Minister KJ Alphons on Thursday called it Kerala's "biggest rain in 50 years".

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described the flood situation in the state as "very grim". He also noted that it was for the first time in the history of the state that 22 dams have been opened at a time.