Monsoon toll rises to 15

By Our Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JULY 9. The toll in the monsoon-related calamities during the last few days has gone up to 15 with eight more deaths reported on Monday. The dead included three members of a family who were killed in a landslip at Udumbannoor near Thodupuzha in Idukki district last night.

The landslide occurred near Cheenikkuzhi boundary in the Venniyani area at 2.00 a.m. on Monday. The three members of a family who lost their lives in the landslide are Baskaran (52), his wife Kumari (45) and their son Anilkumar (25) of Edayaparambil house.

The area witnessed another tragedy by 1.30 p.m. when yet another landslide occurred. According to reports, at least four persons, including members of the media, were missing. The district authorities said relief operations at Udumbannoor came to a standstill on account of heavy rain and fog. One person was reported missing in a landslide at Mankulam in Idukki, police said.

Meanwhile, many places in Idukki district have been cut off due to landslides and disruption in communication network. Vehicular traffic on the Thodupuzha-Idukki route has come to a standstill on account of landslide at Meenmutti. Traffic along the Kottayam- Kumaly route has been affected due to inundation at Vandiperiyar town.

Three persons died and 11 persons were injured in Thrissur following heavy rain and strong wind. According to police, Abdurahman (48) of Vakayyil near Chavakkad, died when he slipped from a narrow bridge. Meenakshi (72) of Chentrappinni near Mathilakam was electrocuted. In another incident, the body of Naushad (14), son of Mr Abdul Qader of Ponnani, was washed ashore at Puthankadappurathu near Chavakkad.

The Navy has been pressed into service in Muvattupuzha with innumerable houses and shops submerging in the floods. Several families have been shifted from Kodungaloor taluk due to inundation. The families on the banks of the Kanoli river had to be evacuated as the river was overflowing.

Meanwhile, the Revenue Minister, Mr. K. M. Mani, said the Government had taken every step to bring solace to the people affected by the monsoon. Addressing a press conference here today, Mr. Mani said so far, 60 deaths have been reported in the State in connection with the monsoon. In addition, 10 persons were missing and 52 injured, he said. As many as 83 relief camps have been opened in districts affected by the monsoon fury, he said. Out of these, 40 are in Pathanamthitta and 32 in Kottayam.

The Government has decided to extend financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 30,000 to the nearest relatives of those who had lost their lives. So far, 466 houses were completely destroyed and 4,599 houses partially damaged, he said.

A financial assistance of Rs. 15,000 would be given to those who have lost their houses completely and Rs. 5,000 to those whose houses suffered partial damage. He asked the affected parties to contact their respective village offices to avail of the facility.

Mr. Mani said the loss to crops is yet to be fully ascertained and steps would be taken on the basis of the report of the Krishi Bhavans. The Minister asked the affected parties to contact the Krishi Bhavans immediately.

The Government has formed a crisis management team, headed by the Chief Secretary, Mr. V. Krishnamoorthy, to coordinate the relief activities as suggested by the Chief Minister, Mr. A. K. Antony, at a conference of officials convened here today to discuss the relief operations.

The Chief Minister directed that the help of Air Force, Army, Navy and Coast Guard should be sought wherever required. The District Collectors have been authorised to declare holidays for schools where the situation is grim and provide free ration wherever required.

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