Image Source: hindustantimes.com
The Kerala government has unveiled a financial aid package for those affected by the recent landslides in Wayanad, providing support to individuals currently residing in relief camps set up in government and aided schools across the district.
As part of the assistance, two adults from each family who have lost their livelihoods will receive ₹300 daily for 30 days. Families with members suffering from critical illness or undergoing extended hospital care will be eligible for assistance for three members. This support aims to help those who have lost their homes, property, and means of livelihood.
Additionally, each family staying in relief camps will receive an emergency grant of ₹10,000.
The district collector has been assigned to report on the temporary housing arrangements for the survivors as part of the initial phase of the rehabilitation plan. Following the report, affected families will be moved to rented homes and government quarters to allow classes to resume in the schools currently housing the displaced individuals.
A four-member ministerial sub-committee overseeing relief efforts in Wayanad has met with a central team that visited the affected areas and relief camps. The committee has requested ₹2,000 crore from the Centre for reconstruction efforts. This demand is also expected to be presented to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is scheduled to visit Wayanad on Saturday, accompanied by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
The central team, led by Rajeev Kumar, joint secretary in the home ministry, assessed the significant impact of the landslides on the region. They emphasized the need for an expert study to understand the causes of the disaster. The central team reviewed drone footage of the affected areas and was briefed on the extensive damage to infrastructure, including agricultural and commercial crops, livestock, buildings, roads, and utilities.
The ministerial committee, which includes ministers of public works, forests, revenue, and SC/ST affairs, announced that cleanup operations would commence once search efforts conclude. These operations, expected to take at least 90 days, will address the extensive damage across the Meppadi panchayat. The committee also urged the urgent disbursement of ex-gratia relief to the victims’ families.
No search operations will take place on Saturday due to the Prime Minister’s visit.
