THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Indian Air Force headquarters in New Delhi had demanded Rs 33.79 core from Kerala for rescue operations carried out by it during the times of flood, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said in the Assembly.

“The exact amount to be given is Rs 33,79,77,250. This amount together with the cost of Ration materials allotted by the Centre will sum up to Rs 290.74 crore, which should be paid to the Centre. Even if we spend the whole of State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), it would be impossible to pay off this amount. We have received only Rs 987.73 crore towards the fund. Out of this, 586.04 crore has been spent. We can clear all financial liabilities only if we get Rs 706 cr more,” the chief minister has said.

The chief minister said that, for the reconstruction of flood-hit Kerala, the amount collected through Disaster Relief Fund would not suffice. The total money that reached the relief fund was Rs 2683.18 crore but there was a damage of Rs 26718 crore during the flood.