This archive report was first published on 12 August 2019.
Heavy monsoon rains have caused widespread flooding in India, claiming 147 lives in the states of Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra, as of Sunday.
Rescue teams are racing against time to evacuate people and restore vital services in the affected areas, with train services cancelled in several flood-hit regions.
According to state authorities, at least 57 people have been killed in rain-related incidents in Kerala, with over 165,000 people taking shelter in relief camps in the state.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed concerns that rescue operations could be hampered by thunderstorms and rainfall predicted in some parts of the state, saying: “Several houses are still covered under 10-12 feet deep mud. This is hampering rescue work,”
Meanwhile, in Karnataka, several structures at the world heritage site Hampi were flooded, with 60 people reported dead in rain-related incidents. State Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa stated that nearly 227,000 people were staying in relief camps.
While Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra have been the worst hit this year, other states including Gujarat, Assam, and Bihar have also seen significant damage due to floods.
India's main opposition Congress party has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide relief packages, citing media reports that 446 people have been killed in six flood-hit states this year.
