DUBAI, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- Emirates SkyCargo, the cargo division of United Arab Emirates (UAE) international carrier Emirates Airline, said on Thursday that it will carry flood relief cargo of over 175 tons to India's flood-hit southernmost state of Kerala.

The air cargo operator will transport the relief goods, which have been donated by various UAE-based businesses and organizations, to state capital Thiruvananthapuram.

The goods, including lifesaving boards, blankets and dry food items, will be handed over to local flood relief and aid organizations for distribution, said the carrier in a statement.

Indian officials said on Tuesday that the government has declared the devastating floods in Kerala as a calamity of severe nature.