Kerala minister apologises for Germany trip
Kerala Forest Minister K. Raju yesterday issued an apology for making a trip to Germany during the floods. The Kerala unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI) received flak after Raju, a party lawmaker, left for his trip last week.
Speaking to a TV channel, the minister admitted that the timing of his trip was wrong. “I left for Germany on August 16 to attend a programme of the World Malayalee Council near Bonn. I returned in four days but by that time, the flood situation was already out of control
... The timing of the trip was wrong,” he said.
Imran Khan offers Pakistan’s assistance
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan yesterday offered any humanitarian assistance that may be needed by the people of Kerala.
“On behalf of the people of Pakistan, we send our prayers and best wishes to those who have been devastated by the floods in Kerala, India. We stand ready to provide any humanitarian assistance that may be needed,” he said in a tweet posted on his twitter account.
EU donates €190,000 to Indian Red Cross
The European Union (EU) has donated an initial €190,000 (Dh806,786) to the Indian Red Cross Society for immediate assistance in flood-hit Kerala. “The aid will directly benefit 25,000 from among the most affected people in some of the worst hit areas,” the EU said in a statement.
Its funding support would ensure much needed assistance through the distribution of essential shelter and household items, including tarpaulins and kitchen sets.
“Mosquito nets are also being provided,” it said.
Sabarimala temple remains closed
The Sabarimala temple in Kerala will remain closed to the public due to the overflowing Pamba river, authorities said yesterday. The temple was closed on August 13 following massive floods.
According to the temple authorities, the floods have caused damage worth Rs100 crore (Dh52.36 million) to its infrastructure. A. Padmakumar, president of the Travancore Devasom Board which manages the Sabarimala temple, told the media that they had no other option but to close it down.
Big B, ‘Virushka’ help flood-hit Kerala
Bollywood stars have come to the aid of flood-battered Kerala by providing funds, food items, medicine and personal belongings.
Amitabh Bachchan sent in his clothes and shoes apart from Rs5.10 million, while ‘Virushka’ — Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma — have given food and medicines. Anushka and Virat have also contributed to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.
Randeep Hooda joined the Khalsa Aid team in the state to cook for people.
Punjab dispatches 259 tonnes of food
The Punjab government yesterday sent more than 259 tonnes of food items to Kerala along with a threemember team to ensure proper distribution. Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has announced Rs100 million as relief for the flood victims, out of which Rs50 million has been transferred to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. The the remaining amount was dispatched with the food material.