DM Nirmala Sitharaman said in Thiruvananthapuram today that the relief operations by the central and state forces in cyclone-hit areas are going on in war footing. 

The Minister who is on a visit to Thiruvananthapuram met the people affected by the cyclone tragedy in Vizhinjan and Poonthura in Thiruvananthapuram district. She said that rescue operations are happening at a better level than the Tsunami tragedy Period. 

DM conducted a high level meeting in Sangumukham in Thiruvananthapuram with CM Pinarayi Vijayan MPs, MLA, Navy and Air force officers, coast guards, State police officials, and District authorities to take stock of the ongoing relief operations and damage occurred in the state. 

Meanwhile, the death toll in rain-related incidents in Kerala reached 19. Around 690 missing fishermen have been rescued till now by the combined forces.

It is reported that there are more than 90 missing fishermen who need to be traced. There are nearly 6500 people in various relief camps in the state. 

The state government is taking precautionary measures to prevent the outbreak of diseases in the coastal regions.

Meanwhile, relief and rescue operations are continuing in Lakshadweep islands. All efforts are being taken to re-establish the power supply, traffic and communication network in the island.

Source : AIR