Kerala declared drought-hit state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government has declared the state as drought-hit, given the sharp decrease in rainfall during the South West monsoon. It said the Centre would be approached for necessary assistance to meet the emergency situation. Kerala Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan made the announcement in the Assembly. “According to IMD figures, there has been a sharp decrease in rainfall to the tune of 34 per cent during the South-West monsoon. There has also been a sharp decline in rainfall during North-East monsoon,” he said. “So, the government has declared the state as total drought-hit.