Kerala Flood: At least 26 people have died and more than 27,000 people have been evacuated as heavy rains continue to affect several parts of Kerala.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red
alert for three districts — Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki on Thursday, warning of extremely heavy rainfall. An orange alert was also issued for Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Kannur and Kasaragod.
Heavy Rain Forecast
An orange alert has been issued for Friday in Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasaragod.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has advised people to avoid entering rivers and other water bodies and to avoid non-essential travel during periods of intense rainfall.
People have also been asked to stay away from waterfalls, reservoirs and hilly tourist destinations until weather warnings are withdrawn.
Authorities have warned motorists to exercise caution near water bodies and on damaged or repair-affected roads. People have also been advised against gathering on bridges for sightseeing or taking selfies and to avoid night travel to hilly areas.
The KSDMA has further warned of risks from uprooted trees and damaged electricity poles amid strong winds.
Floodwaters Recede In Some Areas
Floodwaters have started receding in several low-lying areas of Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Ernakulam, officials said as quoted by news agency PTI.
However, flooding continues in the Upper Kuttanad and Kuttanad regions of Alappuzha, although water levels have begun to decline gradually.
More than 27,000 displaced people are currently staying in 462 relief camps across the state, with Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Alappuzha among the worst-affected districts.
In Alappuzha alone, 118 relief camps are functioning across six taluks, housing 5,012 families comprising 14,646 people.
Major roads, including the Alappuzha-Changanassery and Ambalappuzha-Thiruvalla routes, remain inundated, affecting the movement of people and goods.
Relief Measures
The Kerala Cabinet has approved financial assistance for families affected by the floods and landslides.
Families of those who died will receive an ex gratia of Rs 8 lakh, while Rs 10,000 will be provided to help with last rites.
Families whose homes were flooded will receive Rs 10,000 for cleaning and restoration. Those who lost both their homes and land in landslides will receive Rs 12 lakh, while families needing assistance to rebuild damaged houses will get Rs 6 lakh.
The government will also provide Rs 300 per day to two members of each family staying in relief camps and bear rent until their homes become habitable.
Farmers who suffered extensive crop losses will receive an additional 25% compensation over existing relief. Preliminary estimates put crop losses at Rs 67.44 crore across 1,882 hectares, affecting 23,537 farmers.
Affected traders will receive Rs 10,000, while an Ujjevana soft-loan scheme will provide loans of up to Rs 12 lakh to rain-hit micro, small and medium enterprises.
(With inputs from agencies)
