Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Aug. 5 (ANI): At least 26 people have died and more than 27,000 have been moved to relief camps following rain-related disasters across Kerala, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said Wednesday.
Providing an update on the situation, Satheesan said the state government has established 462 relief camps across multiple districts to shelter those affected by widespread flooding.
“Due to the rain-related disasters, 462 relief camps are currently functioning across the state, sheltering 27,048 people. Pathanamthitta has 157 camps, Kottayam 154, and Alappuzha 81. A total of 26 deaths have been reported in the state due to the rain-related disaster. Eleven people have been injured, while four people are missing,” Satheesan said.
The agricultural sector has also suffered extensive damage, with thousands of farmers facing significant financial losses because of flooded fields and destroyed crops.
“Crop damage has been reported across 1,882 hectares of agricultural land, affecting 23,537 farmers. According to preliminary estimates, the losses amount to ₹67.44 crore,” Satheesan said.
On Tuesday, the chief minister announced financial assistance of ₹10,000 for each flood-affected household during a visit to Pathanamthitta, where he reviewed relief and rehabilitation efforts underway by the district administration.
Satheesan also announced that the state government had approved compensation of ₹6 lakh for homeowners whose houses were completely destroyed in the floods.
The chief minister said many of Kerala’s rivers have lost much of their carrying capacity because of silt accumulation and assured residents that urgent desilting measures would be undertaken. He also said the state aims to establish India’s most advanced weather forecasting system and strengthen disaster management capabilities in Pathanamthitta. (ANI)
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