The South Eastern Railway will run two special trains from Ernakulam in flood-ravaged Kerala to Santragachi/Howrah to evacuate stranded people this evening, an SER spokesman said.

On a request from the West Bengal government, SER will run the two trains, which will commence journey from Ernakulam at 6.00 pm and 9.00 pm today, a communique from the state Transport department said.

The railway will also run a special train to Ernakulam from Santragachi, which will leave here at 5.15 pm on Wednesday, the SER spokesman said.

Several tourists and many other people on work from West Bengal have been stranded owing to the floods in the southern state, where transport services have been severely affected.

Earlier, President Ram Nath Kovind spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Governor P Sathasivam on Sunday and enquired about the flood situation that has devastated the southern state, killing hundreds and rendering thousands homeless.

The President told the Governor and the CM that the entire nation was with the people of Kerala in this hour of crisis.

“The President spoke to the Governor and the Chief Minister of Kerala and enquired about the flood situation. He acknowledged the grit and resilience of the people of Kerala in coming together in this trying hour. Assured the people of the state that entire nation was with them,” read a tweet posted on the official Twitter handle of the President.

#PresidentKovind expressed satisfaction that the Union and state governments were working together and in synergy in rescue and relief operations in Kerala. He praised relief agencies such as NDRF and public officials at state and Central level for their response and commitment

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 19, 2018

He was also satisfied with the synergy displayed by the Union and state governments in providing succour to the affected people.

“President Kovind expressed satisfaction that the Union and state governments were working together and in synergy in rescue and relief operations in Kerala. He praised relief agencies such as NDRF and public officials at state and Central level for their response and commitment,” read the second tweet.

#PresidentKovind spoke to the Governor and the Chief Minister of Kerala and inquired about the flood situation. He acknowledged the grit and resilience of the people of Kerala in coming together in this trying hour. Assured the people of the state that entire nation was with them

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 19, 2018