Kerala announced higher compensation for families hit by floods and landslides after a disaster review meeting. The move came as the rain toll rose, rescue efforts continued and officials warned against rumours.
The Kerala government on Monday announced enhanced financial assistance for families affected by the devastating floods and landslides, as the death toll in rain-related incidents across the state rose to 15, with seven people still missing.
Addressing reporters after chairing a meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority, Chief Minister VD Satheesan said the overall situation was under control, except in a few pockets of Pathanamthitta district, which remained the worst affected.
The government announced Rs 8 lakh as compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the disaster. An immediate assistance of Rs 10,000 will also be provided to bereaved families to meet funeral expenses.
Flood-affected families returning from relief camps will receive Rs 10,000 to clean and restore their homes.
The government also enhanced compensation for those who lost both their house and land in landslides to Rs 12 lakh, up from Rs 10 lakh. Assistance for rebuilding completely destroyed houses has been increased to Rs 6 lakh from the earlier Rs 4 lakh.
Satheesan said the state had initiated preparedness measures before the onset of heavy rainfall. To strengthen rescue operations, 14 fishing boats from Kollam were deployed to Chengannur, while two helicopters from Sulur in Tamil Nadu were stationed in Thiruvananthapuram.