Kochi: With the flood waters beginning to ebb away in Kerala, the Indian armed forces have proportionately reduced their personnel deployed in rescue operations.

Kerala has been devastated by its worst floods in a century. Indian armed forces are working round the clock to rescue people and provide relief material.

Over 23,000 people have been saved and more than 2,000 have been provided with medical help. All the three wings of the armed forces – Army, Navy and Air Force have been involved.

Several parts of Kerala have been battered by heavy rains since August 8. Now, there is some respite with no rain today. However, light to moderate rain is expected in coming days.

Intense floods in the State have killed more than 200 people and drove hundreds of thousands from their homes.

Indian Navy spokesman Capt. DK Sharma said Monday that decreasing rains and flood waters means the navy can cut back on its rescue teams in Kerala.

He said that the navy had rescued nearly 16,000 people in the State.

People have begun leaving Kerala's thousands of relief camps over the past day or so, heading to their homes to check on damage and begin the long process of cleaning up.

(With inputs from Associated Press)