Kerala CM Announces Relief Package for Landslide Victims

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced a comprehensive compensation package for the victims of the landslides in Wayanad and Kozhikode districts. The package includes financial aid for the kin of the deceased, injured survivors, and those requiring rehabilitation. Additionally, a detailed investigation into the landslide causes and future preventive measures is underway.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs six lakh for the next of kin of those who perished in the landslides that struck Wayanad district on July 30, claiming over 200 lives.

Of the Rs six lakh, Rs four lakh will be provided from the State Disaster Response Fund, while the remaining amount will come from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF), said Vijayan.

Furthermore, survivors who lost eyes or limbs, or sustained up to 60% disability due to the landslides, will receive Rs 75,000 from the CMDRF. Those who suffered disability between 40% to 60% will get Rs 50,000 as financial assistance.

The CM also outlined a monthly rental aid of Rs 6,000 for survivors opting for rented accommodation or living with relatives as part of the government's rehabilitation plan. This amount will be excluded for those in rent-free or fully sponsored housing, he noted.

Vijayan revealed that so far, 231 bodies and 206 body parts have been recovered, with DNA testing identifying 349 of the remains as belonging to 248 individuals. A five-member expert team led by senior scientist John Matthai is currently assessing the landslide-hit areas in Wayanad's Meppadi panchayat for potential dangers and causes.

A drone-based LIDAR survey is also set to be conducted to analyze what lies beneath the debris and how the land may be utilized in the future. Search operations, entering their 16th day with divisions of the NDRF, fire force, civil defence, police, forest department, and volunteers, continue in the region.

Separate inspection and relief efforts are underway in Vilangad in Kozhikode district, where landslides struck on the same day. Officials from the geology, hydrology, and soil conservation departments are inspecting the areas for future settlements and ongoing rehabilitation work.

(With inputs from agencies.)