Rain fury in Kerala: 12 lakh ex gratia for total home and land loss, eight lakh to kin of victims

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced eight lakh rupees as ex gratia to the kin of those who died in the rain fury and 12 lakh rupees to those who lost their houses and land. The compensation was increased from four to six lakh rupees for those who lost their houses completely.

15 people have died, and seven are missing in the flash floods and landslides that struck the northern part of the state during the last two days.

Ten thousand rupees will be given to conduct funerals, and another ten thousand rupees to clean those houses flooded with rainwater.

The 10 lakh rupees’ compensation for buying land and building houses was increased to 12 lakhs this time. Financial assistance for agricultural damage will also be increased. The current assistance is 13,500 rupees for those whose two and a half acres of paddy crop have been destroyed. 165 hectares of crops have been destroyed, and 3,596 farmers have been affected in the landslide.

The heavy rains follow an unpredictable pattern in the state. By the time it was visible on the radar, it started raining so fast that evacuation was impossible. 350 mm of rain fell in Vadasserikkara. There will be heavy rain on the 6th and 7th of this month as well. The situation is currently under control.

Water is likely to recede only in some places in Pathanamthitta. 14 boats have been brought to Chengannur from Kollam. Two helicopters of the Air Force are ready in Thiruvananthapuram. Three teams have been deployed in Pathanamthitta and Kottayam. Two more NDRF teams have been requested from Arakkonam. Food packets will be delivered to those stranded by helicopter. There are 11,018 people in 316 relief camps.

Action will be taken against those spreading fake news regarding the opening of dams. Small dams will be opened with the permission of the district collectors.

The water level in large dams is very low. The only concern remains in Moozhiyar.

The water level in Idukki is 38.91%, in Idamalayar - 46.64%, in Banasura Sagar - 52.9%, in Kakki - 44.8%, in Kallada - 45%, in Malampuzha - 35%, and in Peechi - 35%.

Due to adverse weather conditions, the Public Service Commission postponed all online and O.M.R. examinations scheduled for August 4, 5, 6 and 10. The revised dates will be announced later.