THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, India, Aug. 3 (ANI): The death toll from flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains in Kerala has risen to 15, with seven people still missing, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said Monday.
The chief minister announced ₹10,000 (about $115) in funeral assistance for the families of those who died in the rain-related incidents and directed the Agriculture Department to submit a proposal to increase compensation for crop losses.
Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram after a meeting with district collectors, Satheesan said about 165 hectares (408 acres) of agricultural land had been damaged, affecting 3,596 farmers.
“As of 9 a.m., 11,018 people are staying in 316 relief camps across the state. So far, 15 deaths have been reported. Two people died in the Poonjar constituency in Kottayam, while a child died after falling into a tank at Puthuppally. Two deaths were reported from Idukki, and one each from Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi. One person is missing each from Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi. In Malappuram, four people have died, and one person is missing. In Kannur, one person has died, and two are missing, while one death has been reported from Kozhikode. So far, 15 deaths have been reported across the state, while seven people are still missing,” Satheesan said.
The chief minister also dismissed rumors that large volumes of water were being released from dams, causing flash flooding.
“A number of rumours are being circulated widely, the most prominent being claims that water is being released from dams. There is absolutely no need for people to panic. Water levels in the major reservoirs are well below their capacity. False information is being circulated not only on social media but through other platforms as well,” he said.
Satheesan said reservoir levels remained below capacity, including 38.91% at Idukki, 46.64% at Idamalayar, 52.9% at Banasura Sagar, 44.82% at Kakki, 45% at Kallada, 35% at Malampuzha and 34% at Peechi.
“The widespread claim that water is being released from the reservoirs is false. Strict action will be taken against those spreading such misinformation, as these false reports can create unnecessary panic among the public,” he said.
Announcing relief measures, Satheesan said special monitoring had been put in place for coastal erosion-prone areas.
“An amount of ₹10,000 has been sanctioned for the funeral expenses of those who died in the rain-related incidents,” he said.
He added that families returning home from relief camps after floodwaters recede would receive ₹10,000 in immediate financial assistance.
“The existing compensation for crop damage is very low. For instance, if paddy cultivation is destroyed on around 2.5 acres, the compensation is only ₹13,500. The Agriculture Department has been asked to submit a proposal to revise the compensation. The government has decided to increase the compensation for those who have suffered crop losses, and the matter will be taken up in the next Cabinet meeting,” he said.
“According to the preliminary report, around 165 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, affecting 3,596 farmers. The number could increase slightly once the final assessment is completed,” he added.
Satheesan said National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and other security forces had been deployed in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and other flood-affected districts.
“An NDRF team has been deployed to Pathanamthitta, while two teams are currently stationed in Kottayam. Two additional NDRF teams have been sought from Arakkonam, and they can be dispatched whenever required. Helicopters have also arrived. Instructions have been given to deploy ITBP personnel in Alappuzha if necessary. Similarly, Defence Security Corps personnel have been directed to be deployed in Kannur and Wayanad if required,” he said.
Satheesan said an emergency meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority, ministers, district collectors and senior officials had reviewed the situation earlier in the day.
“The situation is under control in all districts, according to the reports received,” he said.
He added that while floodwaters had not fully receded in parts of Pathanamthitta, conditions elsewhere remained under control.
“Fourteen fishing boats from Kollam have been brought to Pathanamthitta for rescue operations, if required. Two helicopters from Shirur have reached Thiruvananthapuram, and an NDRF team has also been deployed. The necessary police and fire and rescue services are in place. Food packets have also been prepared for distribution, including through helicopters if required. Adequate preparations have been made across the state,” he said.
State Electricity Minister Sunny Joseph said 92% of damaged power connections had already been restored.
“A total of 480,614 electricity connections were damaged. Of these, 92% were restored within a short time. Only 35,118 remain without power,” Joseph said.
He added that 2,892 transformers were damaged, of which 2,600 had been repaired and re-energized after floodwaters receded.
A total of 1,872 electricity poles were also damaged and are being replaced.
Joseph said the worst damage to the power infrastructure occurred in Pathanamthitta district, followed by Kannur, where restoration work was progressing rapidly, particularly in Cherupuzha and the hilly areas of the Iritty region. (ANI)
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