Flood-hit Kerala is ready to welcome tourists: K J Alphons

Kerala has faced the worst flooding in over a century that has left more than 400 people dead. Incessant rain since August 8 caused the worst floods and triggered landslides, blocking access to many of the popular destinations and forcing the Kochi International airport to cancel its operations for 14 days. Looking at the damages and the devastation the floods has caused, people were skeptical about the revival of the state, especially the tourism industry. But, in less than a couple of week’s time, the state could overcome the difficulties in record time and is now ready to welcome tourists.

“The state is ready in record time to welcome tourists; thanks to the solidarity of its people. I salute the spirit of the Kerala people,” said Tourism Minister K J Alphons. The minister was addressing a gathering at the Novotel hotel in Vizag, inaugurating the 34th annual convention of IATO. Alphons also appreciated the efforts of the rescue and relief workers.”Even school and college students and civil servants from other states took part in the relief efforts,” the minister said.

Kerala Tourism Minister Kadakmpally Surendran, who was also present at the event, thanked everyone on behalf of the state government for helping in the rescue and rehabilitation of the people, who faced unprecedented floods last month.