40 people dead in Kerala rains, but troubles to continue
Kerala has been ravaged by "the worst disaster in its history," leaving not just scores of people dead and thousands displaced, but tearing apart lives and wrecking infrastructure. CM Pinarayi Vijayan put the total loss at Rs. 8,316cr. HM Rajnath Singh announced immediate relief of Rs. 100cr, assuring more aid in due time. But the disaster isn't yet over. Weather officials have predicted more heavy rains.
People have lost their lives, price possessions, crucial documents
The death toll has climbed to 40. Wayanad and Idukki were the worst-hit districts, but others like Kozhikode, Kannur, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Malappuram and Palakkad have also been hit. More than 1,00,000 people have been moved to shelter homes. Over 1,000 relief camps are providing them sustenance. People have lost their entire savings, crucial documents, precious possessions, even their homes. Many are clueless where to return.
10,000km of roads damaged, power and water supply remain suspended
The damage wasn't limited to human loss. Several bridges and roads were swept away. According to CM Vijayan, at least 10,000km of roads have been damaged. Many areas have been cut off. Power and drinking water supply have been dysfunctional since days. More than 4,500 houses have been ruined. Crops in at least 1,500 hectares of land have been damaged.
Visuals of the floods
From the Centre, Rs. 100cr relief, free replacement of passport
Rajnath Singh conducted an aerial survey of the state yesterday. "Kerala is facing the worst floods in seven decades. The whole nation is with the suffering people," he said afterwards. Responding to Vijayan's request for Rs. 1,220cr, Singh assured more help after an assessment by a central government team. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said passports damaged in floods will be replaced for free.
State announces compensation for those who lost relatives and houses
Vijayan has announced a compensation of Rs. 4L to those who lost their family members, and those who lost their homes. People who lost both would get Rs. 10L. He has also announced that special courts will be set up to issue duplicates of crucial documents on priority to the needy. The shutters of the Idukki reservoir were opened for the first time in 26 years.
Red alert sounded in eight districts
A red alert has been sounded in eight districts as the state braces for more rains. In some places, the water has started to recede, officials said, but fresh showers could worsen the situation. Meanwhile, VIjayan has sought help from non-resident Indians.
