Kerala Chief Minister Announces Compensation and Rehabilitation Measures for Wayanad Landslide Victims
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday revealed a comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation plan for the victims of the recent devastating landslides in Wayanad district, which resulted in over 200 fatalities.
In his announcement, Vijayan detailed that the next of kin of those who perished in the disaster will receive a total compensation of Rs 6 lakh. Of this amount, Rs 4 lakh will be sourced from the State Disaster Relief Fund, with the remaining Rs 2 lakh provided by the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). Additionally, individuals who have sustained significant injuries or disabilities due to the landslides will receive further financial assistance. Those who have lost eyes or limbs or have disabilities up to 60 percent will be allocated Rs 75,000 from the CMDRF. For those with disabilities ranging from 40 to 60 percent or those who have suffered severe injuries, a financial aid of Rs 50,000 will be provided.
Vijayan also addressed the rehabilitation of survivors, announcing a monthly rent assistance of Rs 6,000 for those opting for rented accommodation or living with relatives. This support, however, will not be available to individuals receiving rent-free or fully sponsored housing. In cases of partial sponsorship, the rent assistance will cover the shortfall up to Rs 6,000 per month.
The Chief Minister provided an update on the ongoing recovery efforts, stating that 231 bodies and 206 body parts have been recovered so far from the landslides that struck Wayanad on July 30. DNA testing of 401 samples confirmed the identities of 248 individuals, including 121 males and 127 females.
A five-member expert team, led by senior scientist John Matthai from the National Centre for Geosciences, has been tasked by the State Disaster Management Authority to assess the affected areas in Wayanad’s Meppadi panchayat. This team will evaluate potential hazards, the circumstances of the landslides, and other related phenomena. Additionally, a drone-based LIDAR survey will be conducted to analyze the sub-surface conditions of the disaster areas and to plan future land use.
The Chief Minister also highlighted that major landslides had severely impacted the Mundakkai and Chooralamala regions of Wayanad, with other landslides affecting Vilangad in Kozhikode district on the same day. Vijayan assured that a separate rehabilitation package will be developed for Kozhikode once the authorities complete their assessments of the damage.
This comprehensive approach underscores the state government’s commitment to addressing the immediate needs of those affected by the disaster while also planning for long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts.
