Wayanad landslides: High Court seeks details of plan for mental health of children

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court on Friday directed the government to submit details of a long-term plan to address the mental health issues of children who lost their loved ones in the Wayanad landslides. The court noted that counselling and other measures, under the supervision of a team of experts, are necessary to address the mental trauma of children who have lost their parents. The Division Bench comprising Dr AK Jayashankaran Nambiar and Justice VM Shyamlal said that a comprehensive plan should be formulated to address the matters, including the safety and education of the children. The court expressed satisfaction with the actions taken so far. The court was considering a suo motu petition taken up voluntarily following the Wayanad disaster.

The court directed that if the grievances received at the disaster relief cell in the affected area cannot be addressed and resolved within a period of two weeks, the court should be notified promptly. Additionally, the court suggested considering the establishment of a special insurance scheme specifically for the benefit of the disaster victims.

Advocate General K Gopalakrishna Kurup said that counselling and other measures conforming to UNICEF standards have been implemented for the children affected by the disaster. A team of health workers visited 964 households and took necessary actions. Children who lost their parents are under foster care. Special training is being given to teachers of schools where these children study. The court said that it should be ensured that this service is available to children who are under the care of their relatives.

Search continues
The government informed the court that the search operations are continuing in the disaster-affected areas
The government is thinking about how to provide assistance to the families of those individuals who remain untraceable.