More than 300 people have died and hundreds of thousands have been left homeless after severe monsoon rains flooded the Indian state of Kerala, with more bad weather expected over the next few days.
Excess rainfall, no breaks in between showers, and poor preparation have been reported by local media as reasons why the flooding has been so bad in the region.
In response to the devastation, many people have been using social media to spread awareness of the disaster.
More scary visuals from Kerala. Visuals of a house collapsing in Puzhakkattiri, near Valanchery. Rain and Water logging continues in several districts. #StandWithKerala #KeralaFloods @jamewils @Zakka_Jacob @AnandKochukudy @legaljournalist https://t.co/ygmFSclNdx
Receiving scary videos from my family there on the ongoing floods in South India. More than 80 deaths so far. Thousands trapped. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has appealed to the people for generous contributions to battle the worst floods faced by Kerala in nearly a century. https://t.co/J8SJzbt2DH
My dear #NationalMedia this is #KochiAirport as of now! Do you all have any idea the extend of #KeralaFloods still it’s not a #NationalCalamity! My #Keralites we have to deal with this on our own! Jai Hind! https://t.co/i59XAbufsr
Videos of the incredible rescue effort have spread across Twitter.
Just look at this! A 101 year old grandmother, with medical emergencies, being airlifted in Paravur. A timely reminder, that help is on its way. @ndtv #kerala #KeralaFloods https://t.co/qPdIfrlOXb
Unsung heroes of Kerala 👍 They are doing their jobs neatly 🙌 #KeralaFloods
#Salute To Indian Air Force and The Brave Heart #KeralaFloods #KeralaFloodRelief #Keralarains
Hats off #IndianNavy 🙏 A pregnant lady rescued through airlift!! Let's stay united & help for #Kerala... #KeralaFloodRelief #KeralaFloods #KeralaSOS #KeralaFloodsHelpNeeded https://t.co/y2rgRkNb5r
And many have credited social media for amplifying the relief effort.
Seriously, stop complaining about how National Media covers something or not. Ignore them. We are all broadcasters in our own right. Use social media and talk about the things you want spread. Screw the media! Help amplify voices that need it! #KeralaFloods #KeralaFloodRelief
THE NATION MUST KNOW #KeralaFloods
Those from Delhi University that wish to donate for #KeralaFloods, may do it at the following pick up points.
However, local reports suggest the heavy rains will continue into the weekend, continuing the strain on the region.
On Friday, India's prime minister announced on Twitter that he would be traveling to the state to assess the situation.
Had a telephone conversation with Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan just now. We discussed the flood situation across the state and reviewed rescue operations. Later this evening, I will be heading to Kerala to take stock of the unfortunate situation due to flooding. @CMOKerala