More than 300 deaths have now been reported from the monsoon rains and flooding that have devastated Kerala, India.
Many rescue teams had to stop after dusk yesterday because the currents were too risky for teams to venture out successfully.
According to the chief minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, a total of 82,442 rescues were made on Friday.
There still remain some who are patiently waiting for helicopters to bring them to safety. Many of these people have been without food and water for three days.
[masterslider id=”3″]“Attempts to rescue the stranded are on a war-footing basis,” Vijayan said in a tweet. “4 helicopters, 5 military boats & 65 fishing boats are part of operations. Four 100-member strong army teams have been deployed. Food is being supplied using helicopters.”
Dr. K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA), helped with relief efforts, distributing items such as clothing, towels, buckets, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap and sanitary napkins.
“I visited two camps where those who are displaced by the catastrophic flooding in Kerala, India are staying,” Yohannan said. “I was able to meet with and pray for many. … Our churches in Kerala and throughout India are doing all they can to help, and I ask that all do anything and everything they can to help those in need during this extremely difficult time. We will be visiting more camps tomorrow and in the following days and helping everywhere we can.”
Gospel for Asia (GFA)-supported workers arranged 15 boats with crews to rescue those who are trapped and surrounded by water. They are coordinating with the local authorities on operations to reach the more interior and remote places that have been flooded.
Please continue to pray as relief efforts are going forward. Pray for the churches and the government as everyone reaches out to help each other during this time of crisis.
Please remember those in Kerala who are suffering today because of this crisis.
