India: More than 1 million people displaced in Kerala state /update 5

Event

Recovery efforts are ongoing in Kerala state as of Wednesday, August 22, following the worst flooding in the state in over a century. According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), at least 373 people have been killed and another 32 are still missing as of Wednesday. More than 1 million people have been displaced by the flooding and are taking shelter in relief camps. Some areas of the state remain isolated and rescue efforts are ongoing to conduct evacuations and deliver medical supplies.

Transportation disruptions continue throughout the state, but are expected to ease in the coming days. Cochin International Airport (COK), serving the state capital Kochi, has been closed since August 14 after the runway and some airport facilities were flooded; some commercial flights out of Kochi have temporarily resumed out of the Garuda naval airbase on Monday, August 20. According to a statement released by COK authorities on Wednesday, the airport is expected to resume operations on Sunday, August 26. Rail operators announced on Tuesday, August 21, that service had been restored to most of Kerala, but that trains would run at a reduced speed as a precaution. Road traffic disruptions are expected to continue in some areas as hundreds of bridges have been damaged.

Advice

Individuals present in India are advised to continue to postpone nonessential travel to Kerala. People currently present in the state are advised to keep abreast of local weather forecasts, anticipate localized flooding and associated road hazards, and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.