Thiruvananthapuram, August 5: The floodwaters in several areas of Kerala are gradually receding, yet heavy rains and strong winds are forecasted for the next five days. In response, the state government announced a significant relief package for flood victims on Wednesday. Additionally, a long-term program aimed at enhancing disaster management capabilities to mitigate annual monsoon devastation was also unveiled.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan reported during a media briefing following a cabinet meeting that this year, rainfall-related incidents have claimed 26 lives, injured 11, and left four individuals missing.
Currently, 27,048 people are residing in 462 relief camps. The government is ensuring that no camp houses more than 150 individuals to improve living conditions.
Initial assessments indicate that 1,882 hectares of agricultural land have been damaged, resulting in an estimated loss of ₹670 million, affecting 23,507 farmers. The cabinet approved several enhanced relief measures.
Families of the deceased will receive ₹800,000 in compensation, while those whose homes were submerged will be granted immediate assistance of ₹10,000. An additional ₹10,000 will be provided for funeral expenses.
For homes that are completely destroyed, the aid amount has been increased to ₹1.2 million, and compensation for crops will see a 25% increase.
For the first time, small traders and shop owners affected by the floods will receive ₹10,000. The cabinet also approved a special rehabilitation package for MSME homestays and other eligible enterprises, offering easy loans of up to ₹1.2 million.
Beneficiaries can choose either a government margin money of 25% (up to ₹300,000) or a nine percent interest subsidy for five years.
Following the India Meteorological Department’s forecast of strong winds and heavy rainfall in parts of the state from August 5 to 8, Satheesan urged residents to remain vigilant and strictly follow official advisories.
Beyond immediate relief, the government has announced an ambitious ‘Disaster Management Resilience Program.’ This initiative will utilize technologies such as AI-based dam management, accurate weather forecasting, flood mapping, and scientific monitoring to improve disaster preparedness.
To enhance water flow before the next monsoon, silt will be removed from rivers and reservoirs, including sediment accumulated after the 2018 floods.
The Chief Minister stated that the AI-based dam management system announced in the state budget will serve as a national model for disaster management.
The cabinet also decided to restore damaged coastal infrastructure and create a new housing scheme for fishermen. The first installment of the development fund for local bodies for 2026-27 will be disbursed.
Satheesan further announced that Rajesh, a seasoned rescue volunteer and scuba diver who lost his life during the flood rescue operations, will be honored with a state farewell, and the government will provide a home for his family.
He added that compensation has been provided to all 248 families affected by the 2024 Thrissur flood disaster.
Responding to questions regarding the Rejuvenation Project controversy, the Chief Minister stated that multiple investigations found no evidence of corruption. The latest vigilance report submitted on June 26 also recommended no further action.
Satheesan remarked, “When this issue first arose in 2020, I was the one who called for an investigation. I received a clean chit from two separate vigilance inquiries, both conducted while I was in opposition.”
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