The House was to meet again from October 25.
Thiruvananthapuram:
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said a total of 39 people lost their lives and 217 houses were completely destroyed in the recent devastating landslides and flash floods in the state’s south-central districts.
He told the assembly that at least six people are missing and 304 rehabilitation camps have been opened after heavy rains lashed several areas of the southern state.
Speaker MB Rajesh today announced the adjournment of the House after paying tributes to the flood victims and promising all possible help to the affected families.
The session for the next two days has been canceled in view of the fresh rain warning as MLAs have to travel to their respective constituencies to coordinate flood relief programmes.
The House was to meet again from October 25.
Expressing deep sorrow over the rain-related calamities, Vijayan said that the unexpected tragedy was unbearable not only for the families of the victims but for the entire state.
“Twenty-nine people, who would have lived for many years, were killed in four days of torrential rains, floods and landslides. The tragedy has caused irreparable loss to their family members. The House is sharing their pain with a broken heart. Yes, the Chief Minister said in the Assembly.
Assuring that the government would never spare the bereaved families, he said that its care and consideration would be reflected in the rescue and relief measures and restoration of their livelihood status.
Kerala had been receiving heavy rains since October 11 and there was a slight drop in its intensity on October 18 and 19.
“Till yesterday (October 19), the death toll in the state was 39 and the number of missing was six. 3,851 families have been shifted to 304 rehabilitation camps opened across the state,” Mr Vijayan elaborated.
Stating that a total of 11 teams of NDRF are camping in different districts, he said that Indian Army personnel are also participating in the rescue operation and helicopters of Air Force and Navy are ready for any mission.
As the India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain for two-three days in southern states including Kerala from October 20, alerts are being issued accordingly, he explained.
In anticipation of this, water is being released in the dams in a controlled manner after informing the district administration and the local people of the areas concerned, he said and requested everyone’s support in fighting the wrath of the rains.
Meanwhile, K Babu (Congress), who spoke in the House representing the opposition, urged the government to improve its disaster management system.
Though natural calamities were coming at frequent intervals, the warning system in the state had failed, he alleged and wanted the government to provide adequate compensation to the affected persons.
(Except for the title, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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