Kerala continues to battle with a resurgent monsoon on Thursday, with cities and villages submerged by floodwaters. With rains still pouring down heavily leading to flooding of dams and rivers across Kerala, 12 fresh deaths were reported on Thursday, taking the toll to 79, since August 8.

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The state, which is facing worst floods in history, has been on a red alert since Wednesday evening. The deaths on Thursday were reported from Malappuram, Kozhikode, Palakkad and Thrissur.

Southern Railways and Kochi Metro have suspended their operations in the state.

On Thursday morning, Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Rajnath Singh for the second time in two days seeking urgent deployment of more personnel of the armed forces, helicopters and sufficient equipment to help the State in its rescue operations. The

The PM has assured the Viajayan all help to the state to tackle the situation.

Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan again this morning. We discussed the flood situation in the state. Have asked Defence Ministry to further step up the rescue and relief operations across the state. Praying for the safety and well-being of the people of Kerala. @CMOKerala

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 16, 2018

Pathanamthitta district in central Kerala has been the worst affected in the last 24 hours as thousands of people -- students among others were trapped in their homes in Ranni, Aranmula and Kozhencherry.

Fishing boats from Kollam reached the flooded areas as the rescue operation with the aid of defence personnel continued.

Various media Whats App groups, including Vijayan's have been flooded with SOS messages from Pathanamthitta crying for help.

A group of military engineering task force has reached Calicut and Thiruvananthapuram from Pune. Another task force from Bhopal will reach the state by noon, reported Malayala Manorama.

Parts of Ernakulam and Thrissur have been facing tough times with the dam waters from Idukki districts reaching Periyar, and its tributaries late on Wednesday.

Traffic on the national highway between Ernakulam and Thrissur has been regulated since.

All educational institutions in the state were closed on Thursday.

With inputs from agencies.

First Published:Aug 16, 2018 10:25 AM IST