Kerala floods death toll rises to 15; CM announces compensation for victims' families

The death toll from various rain-related incidents across Kerala over the past three days has risen to 15, with seven individuals still unaccounted for.

Intense rainfall has caused significant flooding and landslides, prompting the deployment of emergency response teams.

Speaking to journalists after an online meeting with ministers and officials engaged in rescue and relief operations in districts, Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan said the situation was well under control.

He reassured the public that the government is actively managing the situation amid ongoing heavy rainfall to ensure the safety of residents while rescue operations continue He stated that while the situation has stabilised across most districts, certain areas, particularly in Pathanamthitta, still require urgent intervention.

Satheesan announced immediate relief measures, including a provision of Rs10,000 for funeral expenses for each deceased individual.

Families returning from relief camps will receive a one-time aid of Rs10,000. In contrast, those who have lost their livelihoods due to the floods will receive Rs 300 per person, up to two beneficiaries in a family, until normalcy is restored.

He pledged Rs800,000 in compensation to the families of each deceased individual and announced an increase in financial aid for those who lost their homes from one million to 1.2 million rupees.

Furthermore, he indicated that a revision in crop damage compensations would be undertaken.

"The current compensation rates do not reflect the true losses; for instance, we are only able to offer Rs 13,500 for two-and-a-half acres of ruined paddy fields," he said.

"Thus, the Agriculture Department has been directed to propose new compensation models, and we will announce the updated rates following the next cabinet meeting."

A man wades through a waterlogged area next to his partially submerged house following heavy rains in Kannadikkal. Reuters

In light of widespread misinformation on social media concerning dam operations, he cautioned the public against believing false claims about excessive water releases.

There is no cause for alarm regarding reservoir levels, with current capacities reported as follows: Idukki at 38.91%, Edamalayar at 46.64%, and Banasura Sagar at 52.9%.

"These unfounded rumours can incite unnecessary panic among the population," he stressed, adding that strict action would be taken against those spreading misinformation.

"No issues have been reported at major reservoirs, and inspections are ongoing according to 2022 guidelines. This is a flash flood situation." Despite late-night warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there were no advanced indicators to suggest such severe weather until it hit.

"Once extreme rainfall occurs, the window for effective evacuation becomes critically short," he cautioned.

To enhance rescue efforts, Satheesan noted that the government has strategically deployed resources. Fourteen fishing boats sourced from Kollam have been redirected to Chengannur, a locality severely affected by the floods.

Additionally, two helicopters have been dispatched to support aerial rescue operations, complementing the efforts of ground teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

"We have implemented measures to deliver food quickly to those in need, utilising both helicopters and ground teams for distribution," Satheesan stated.

As of Monday morning, 316 relief camps are operational across Kerala, providing shelter for over 11,000 individuals displaced by the flooding.

Kottayam alone recorded three fatalities, which include two individuals from the Erattupetta area and a child who tragically fell into a tank in Puthuppally.

Two deaths were reported in Idukki, and one each in Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi in the state capital, with one fisherman missing from each area. Kollam suffered severe repercussions with two deaths and two individuals missing, while Malappuram has recorded four deaths and one missing person.

Other reports indicated that Kannur has seen one death and two missing persons, and Kozhikode has recorded another life lost amid the disaster.

Satheesan emphasised that the state had proactively initiated contingency measures before the onset of heavy rains.

He announced that one NDRF team has been deployed to Pathanamthitta and two teams to Kottayam, with additional support teams mobilising from Tamil Nadu.

"To ensure community safety, orders have been issued to enlist the Indo-Tibetan Border Police in Alappuzha if the situation worsens," he said.

"We are also prepared to engage the Defence Security Corps in Kannur and Wayanad districts." Approximately 165 hectares of land have been affected, impacting the livelihoods of around 3,596 farmers.