Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday October 20 informed that 42 lives were lost in the State over the last one week due to various natural calamities. Currently, there are 3,851 families living in 304 relief camps. He also said that the State is well prepared to handle any disaster.
Briefing the media, the Chief Minister said, “Kerala has faced yet another natural calamity. The State has been experiencing heavy rainfall since October 11 due to the cyclones in the Arabian Sea, low pressure in the Bay of Bengal and cyclones in the Pacific Ocean. These rains have brought about serious damage in the State. Of those dead, the bodies of 19 who were involved in landslides (Kottayam 12 and Idukki 7) were recovered but six are still missing. The easing of rains has been a big relief. An orange alert has been issued by the Central Meteorological Department for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts tomorrow. Yellow alert has been sounded for five districts. Although yellow and orange alerts have been issued, extreme caution is needed in the hilly and disaster prone areas.”
The formation of a cyclone formation near the southern Tamil Nadu coast is likely to cause widespread thunderstorms in Kerala from October 20 to 24. Isolated heavy rains are also expected on October 21.
Kottayam, Idukki and Pathanamthitta districts received heavy rains on October 16. As soon as the police got the information about the landslide in Kootikkal, Kokkayar, the rescue operations were initiated by the employees of the Fire Brigade working closely with Revenue, Local Self Government bodies and People’s Representatives with assistance from the local people.
Twelve teams of the National Disaster Response Force, two Army teams, three DSC teams, two choppers of the Air Force, one chopper of the Navy and an engineering task force took part in the rescue operation. In addition to the State forces, national forces have been deployed as required, in all districts.
The water level of the dams is being monitored by the expert committee and based on their recommendation; the shutters of dams were opened to bring down the water level.
The CM announced that concerned departments have been directed to take immediate steps to provide financial assistance to those killed in the rains. It is also proposed to provide financial assistance as soon as the survey of damaged houses, roads and bridges is completed. “All possible assistance will be extended to disaster victims who lost their lives in the rains, floods and landslides. The government will also provide support to those who have lost their homes, farms and other property. They will be paid appropriate compensation.”
Meanwhile, KSEB is spearheading restoration work in areas where power connections have been disrupted. It has been suggested that if necessary, employees should be brought in from other places to complete the work.
The CM also conveyed his gratitude to all those who reached out during this disaster and extended their support including the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Dalai Lama, Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu, Elangovan and Anthiyur Selva Raj, and the Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai.
