Keralam Rain Flood Update: Monsoon rains are now becoming a major problem for people in Kerala. Amid the continuous heavy downpour, flooding, waterlogging, and landslides have disrupted life in many areas. Chief Minister VD Satheesan, after reviewing the situation in the state with senior officials on Monday, said the death toll from rain-related incidents has risen to 15. Additionally, seven people are still missing.
To evacuate those affected by the rains, 316 relief camps are being operated across the state. A total of 11,018 people are staying in these camps. The government and relief agencies are intensifying rescue and relief operations in the affected areas, while people living in low-lying areas, river banks, and hilly areas prone to landslides have been advised to exercise special caution.
In which districts did the deaths occur?
According to the Chief Minister, three people died in Kottayam. These included two deaths in the Poonjar Assembly constituency, while a child drowned after falling into a water tank. Additionally, two people died in Ernakulam, one in Idukki, and one in Muvattupuzha. Four deaths were reported in Malappuram, two in Kollam, and one each in Kannur and Kozhikode.
7 people still missing
Seven people are still missing amid the rain and flooding. Two each are in Kollam and Kannur, while one each is unaccounted for in Malappuram, Idukki, and Muvattupuzha. The administration’s challenge is not only to evacuate affected people to safety, but also to search for the missing and maintain constant surveillance in vulnerable areas.
10,000 rupees for the deceased and those returning from relief camps
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has announced a funeral assistance of ₹10,000 to the families of those who lost their lives in rain-related incidents. Additionally, immediate assistance of ₹10,000 will be provided to those who return home after staying in relief camps due to the floods. The government states that this is intended to provide initial financial assistance to affected families.
Farmers also suffered heavy losses
The rains’ impact isn’t limited to homes and roads. Agriculture has also suffered significant damage. According to initial estimates, approximately 165 hectares of agricultural land has been affected, impacting approximately 3,596 farmers. The Chief Minister has directed the Agriculture Department to prepare a proposal to amend the current crop compensation system. He says the current relief amount is insufficient to compensate farmers for their losses.
Rain alert in all 14 districts
In view of the weather conditions in Kerala, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert in all 14 districts of the state. The districts under the orange alert include Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Ernakulam, Idukki, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta. A yellow alert has been issued for Palakkad, Thrissur, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram. The weather department has also predicted heavy rainfall and strong winds of up to 60 kilometers per hour in some areas.
Special caution on river banks and hilly areas
Due to continuous rainfall, the water levels of the state’s major rivers are rising. As a result, the administration has advised people living in low-lying areas and along river banks to remain vigilant. In hilly areas, residents have been advised to move to safer locations due to the risk of landslides. The administration’s primary challenge is ensuring the safety of people during the rains and providing timely relief to vulnerable areas.