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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.
- / AFP / Getty Images
The rainfall is the heaviest the region has experienced since 1974, with almost all of the state's districts remaining on red alert for more heavy rains over the coming days. Many of those made homeless have been placed in relief camps across the region.
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.
- / AFP / Getty Images
Many of those who have died in the past week were reported to have been crushed under debris from landslides triggered by floodwaters.
In response to the devastation, many people have been using social media to spread awareness of the disaster.
Videos of the incredible rescue effort have spread across Twitter.
And many have credited social media for amplifying the relief effort.
However, local reports suggest the heavy rains will continue into the weekend, continuing the strain on the region.
Sivaram V / Reuters
On Friday, India's prime minister announced on Twitter that he would be traveling to the state to assess the situation.
If you are interested in helping the rescue effort, you can find more information here.
Rachael Krishna is a reporter for BuzzFeed News and is based in London.
Contact Rachael Krishna at rachael.krishna@buzzfeed.com.
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