As torrential rains, overflowing rivers and a series of landslides kill at least 75 people and continue to threaten the state of Kerala, the former Australian Treasurer on Wednesday tweeted, “Please send to Australia... rain welcome party will be arranged.”
Kerala, famed for its pristine palm-lined beaches and tea plantations and dubbed ‘God’s own country’ has been battered by very heavy rain this season, flooding hundreds of villages and prompting the authorities to suspend flights in and out of the region.
Many on Twitter called him out for his tweet, labelling him ‘flippant’ and ‘foolish’ for linking heavy rains in India to Australia’s drought situation.
Efforts to rescue thousands stranded in their homes continue with defence forces deployed in rescue operations. The public transport system has collapsed in many parts and the airport at Kochi stopped operations for three days.
Athirampally Falls seen at Athirampally Panchayat, Chalakudy Taluk, Thrissur District of Kerala, India, 13 August 2018. Source: AAP
The region is on a high alert with schools and offices been closed due to the rising water levels. Source: AAP
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"Twenty-five deaths were confirmed earlier in the evening. The situation is bad in many parts of the state and the number (of deaths) will likely increase," a senior official from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority told AFP.
The official added that authorities had issued a "red alert" warning in all 14 districts of the flood-ravaged state, with heavy downpours expected over the next 24 hours in many of the worst affected areas.
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