THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The district disaster management authority has approved the list of people missing in the Wayanad landslide disaster. The local level committee approved the list of 32 missing. The list has been handed over to the state level committee for detailed examination. The government had the other day informed that those on the list will be considered dead. Two committees have also been formed to provide financial assistance to the dead.
454 bodies, including 231 bodies and 223 body parts, have been recovered so far. The disaster management authority approved the list prepared by the Vellarimala Village Officer, Meppadi Panchayat Secretary, and Meppadi Station House Officer based on the government order.
The list will be examined by a state level committee comprising the additional chief secretary of the home department, the principal secretary of revenue and disaster management, and the principal secretary of local self-government. The government will issue an order considering the missing as dead based on the report of the state committee.
Based on the order, all the benefits given to the kin of people dead in the disaster will also be given to the relatives of people missing. It is reported that the government has also started procedures for registering their deaths. The steps for issuing death certificates have also been started.
The central government declared the Wayanad landslide as a major disaster a few days ago. The approval came after Kerala's continuous request. However, a decision has not yet been taken to announce special financial assistance to Kerala. The Center's letter also said that money has already been transferred to the disaster relief fund.