Rains claim 16 lives in Kerala; cause damage to crops
Torrential rains accompanied by gusty winds that lashed parts of Kerala after monsoon started on May 29 has claimed 16 lives and caused damage to crops worth over Rs. 6cr, the state's Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan said. 1,109 houses were partially damaged and 61 fully destroyed in the rains, while 122 people from 33 families have been shifted to a relief camp. Here's more.
Agricultural loss was estimated to be Rs. 6.34cr
Agriculture loss was estimated at Rs. 6.34cr in 188.41 hectares of farmland, the minister said to a submission by Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala, adding the calamity has affected 2,784 farmers. The families of the deceased would be given Rs. 4L from the State Disaster Relief Fund said Chandrasekharan adding compensation also would be given to people whose houses have been damaged.
Control rooms were set up to handle rain emergency
Control rooms have been set up in all districts to coordinate emergency operations in rain-related incidents, Chandrasekharan said. Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation Mathew T Thomas said steps have been taken to prevent sea erosion by putting granite boulders and geo-tubes. Meanwhile, as rains continued, authorities said shutters of Neyyar dam in Thiruvananthapuram would be opened if the water level touches maximum capacity.
