Relief for Kerala: Red alert withdrawn

In what comes as a major relief to Kerala, which is battling floods amid rising death toll, the red alert that was previously issued to the neighbouring state has been withdrawn. However, fishermen haven't got the nod ahead to venture out into the sea as yet.

The IMD department has also said that rains have started to ease and 11 districts have been issued an orange alert, which indicates a need to be prepared. Still, Kerala is reeling under destruction with 13 being added to the death toll on Sunday.

NDTV reports that helicopters have been dropping emergency food and water supplies across the state, while special trains carrying drinking water and rice have been despatched.