KOTTAYAM: Forest Minister K Raju said the distribution of compensation for rain damage will be fast-tracked. He was speaking after visiting rain-hit areas and people in the relief camps in the district on Tuesday.
“The government has decided to provide assistance to people who incurred loss in rain related havoc at the earliest. The government has already issued directives to officers concerned to immediately prepare the list of calamities incurred by each individual,” he said.
The minister said the government would provide maximum assistance to affected people. “Those who have lost houses will be given assistance under the Life Mission to rebuild the houses. Steps will be taken to conduct the maintenance work of the damaged houses using SC/ST development fund as well,” he said.
He also requested the people to continue in relief camps for a couple more days as the met department has predicted heavy rain for next three to four days.
He also entrusted the district Collector with ensuring food, water and medicines in relief camps. Raju visited the relief camp set up in Govt LP School, Ayarkkunnam, where 34 families from MG Colony in Amayannor are staying. Later, he also visited relief camp in Thiruvanchoor and waterlogged places in Poovathumood.
The minister also reviewed the situations in the district in a meeting attended by District Collector B S Thirumeni and other higher officers. According to Raju as many as 2,300 families have been shifted to a total of 104 camps opened across the district. A total of 8,577 people hailing from Kottayam, Changanassery and Meenachil taluks are staying in relief camps. He also directed district supply officer and district medical officer to review the situations in the camps and ensure medicines and other facilities.
Kerala varsity postpones exams on Wednesday
T’Puram: The Kerala University has postponed all the examinations scheduled for Wednesday. The revised date will be informed later, said an official communication.
Two die in Alappuzha
Alappuzha: Two deaths have been reported due to rain and flood here. Babu, 60, of Puthantharayil house, Thripperumthura drowned in Puthanar, a tributary of Achankovil River at Thripperumthura. Ramakrishanan, 62, of Thenguvilayil house, Kurathikad died after he fell into waterlogged area near his house. The body was shifted to St Joseph Hospital, Kattanam, the police said.
