THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of widespread rain related calamities, the state government has announced a comprehensive relief package for flood victims.
Chief Minister VD Satheesan announced at a post-cabinet media briefing here on Wednesday that families of deceased victims will receive Rs 8 lakh, while affected households will get Rs 10,000 for immediate assistance alongside a Rs 300 daily living allowance.
Aid for rebuilding fully destroyed homes has been increased to Rs 6 lakh, and Rs 12 lakh will be provided for those who lost both house and land.
Crop loss compensation has been hiked by 25%. “In a first, shopkeepers who suffered losses will receive an assistance of Rs 10,000 and a soft loan scheme will be rolled out for affected MSMEs,” the Chief Minister said.
The state government will honour R Rajesh, a rescuer from, Thiruvananthapuram, who drowned at Cherupuzha, Kannur, while saving a stranded farmer, with official state honour. Satheesan said the government will also fully fund the completion of his house.
Additionally, financial aid from the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund was sanctioned for 248 remaining flood and landslide victims in Thrissur district who lost their homes in 2024.
On rain related calamities, Satheesan said 26 deaths have been reported so far and 11 people have sustained injuries while four others are missing.
“Additionally, crop damage has been reported across 1,882 hectares. According to initial estimates, a preliminary loss of Rs 67.44 crore has occurred. Crop damage has occurred across 1,882 hectares of land and has impacted 23,537 farmers,” Satheesan said.
Long term plans
The state government has also announced long-term flood mitigation plans centered on an AI-driven Disaster Management Resilience Programme.
The Chief Minister said key initiatives include upgrading climate prediction systems, comprehensive flood mapping across vulnerable zones, and de-silting major riverbeds and dams.
Coastal protection schemes will be accelerated, deploying geo-bags in erosion-prone areas. Additionally, the government will revise the Punargheham housing scheme for fisherfolk to address longstanding grievances and enhance overall financial assistance.