Congress President Rahul Gandhi praised the fishermen in Kerala who assisted in rescue operations in the flood ravaged state. Mr. Gandhi went to the Chengannur district where he met the flood victims at a relief camp.
Mr. Gandhi is on a two day visit to Kerala where he addressed a large group of fishermen. The Congress President said, “I salute your bravery and your commitment to the people of Kerala. Three thousand fishermen saved 70,000 people and this is not a small thing.”
Mr. Gandhi went on to make promises if elected to power in the 2019 General Elections. The party President stated a separate ministry would be formed to address the community’s grievances. He was quoted as saying, “God’s owns army will have its own ministry.”
Later in the day, the President will visit relief camps in Angamaly and Alappuzha. On Wednesday, Mr. Gandhi will travel to Wayanad District to take stock of the situation.
The State is facing the worst flood in more than a century. The entire country has come together to extend their help to Kerala. Around 357 deaths have been reported due to the flood. The State incurred a loss of Rs. 19,512 crores.
The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi announced Rs. 500 crores for flood relief in Kerala. The Telangana Government announced Rs. 25 crores as relief for the worst flood in Kerala history.
Apart from the 500 crores, Home Minister Rajnath Singh announced Rs. 100 crores to Kerala. PM Modi also stated Rs. 1 lakh would be given as compensation to families who lost family members in the flood. An additional Rs. 50,000 would be given to those seriously injured.
