Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge, has expressed his increasing concerns by the devastating effects of the ongoing floods in Kerala, India, after receiving a worrying update from recently elected City Councillor for East Chesterton, Baiju Thittala, who is currently in Kerala helping with the ongoing relief effort.

City Councillor Baiju Thittala’s most recent update prompted Mr Zeichner to write to the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Jeremy Hunt MP, to request information on what support the UK is providing following the devastating floods, which have killed more than 400 people since June. In the letter, Mr Zeichner expressed the importance of “providing immediate and long-term help to support the Keralan people now and as they begin to recover from this horrific tragedy”.

Mr Zeichner said: “I would like to express my deepest sympathies to all those affected by the ongoing flooding in Kerala. My thoughts are with those that have lost lives, homes and livelihoods as a result of this ongoing tragedy. I would like to send my thanks and support to all those that are in Kerala giving help and assistance, including Cambridge City Councillor, Baiju Thittala.”

“I sought clarification from the Foreign Secretary as to what assistance the UK is providing Kerala after becoming concerned by the increasing devastation being caused by the flooding. I expect to receive a prompt response and hope that it reflects the great contribution that Keralans across the UK are making to this county. In Cambridge, the Keralan community play a vital role, especially in our health service. I urge the Foreign Secretary to provide all necessary support to Kerala during this time.”

Kerala has been hit with a number of monsoons since June, causing severe flooding across the state. Most recent reports put the death toll at over 400 people, with over a million fleeing to relief camps. Local agencies are concerned about the risk of diseases spreading as the crisis continues.