Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has urged the public to come forward and participate in providing assistance to those affected by rain and floods.
In a videoconference held in Kollam on Monday to coordinate flood-relief activities, he said this was the biggest natural calamity Kerala had seen in recent times.
“Relief activities were conducted in a competent manner. The government has taken all necessary steps to provide assistance to those living in camps and homes in rain-hit districts. Local self-governing bodies, volunteers, and other institutions have offered exemplary and generous support. This cooperation should be continued,” he said.
The Chief Minister also instructed the officials to make sure that quality food and drinking water were made available to those living in relief camps. “Horticorp should take necessary steps to supply vegetables to camps in Kuttanad. District Collectors should entrust the water authority with providing safe drinking water in bottles and jars and transport them through country boats.
If necessary, food and water should be provided to those still living in their homes in flooded areas,” he said.
To check epidemics
The Health Department has been told to be extra cautious as there are chances for the outbreak of epidemics. “The authorities should ensure that there are adequate medical staff and medicines. Timely waste disposal and proper toilet facilities are also important. Bio-toilets should be installed in Kuttanad.”
The houses that remained flooded for two or more days will receive a financial aid of ₹3,800 and the Chief Minister has instructed the District Collectors concerned to distribute that amount before Tuesday.
Students who lost their text books will be given new ones. Date for submitting Life certificate for old-age pension has been extended in Alappuzha and Kottayam districts. Milk from approved companies and milk societies will be supplied in the camps.
Officials of the Animal Husbandry department have been asked to make sure that the livestock in homes and camps are properly fed. The Chief Minister also instructed the Chief Secretary to make arrangements with cooking gas agencies to deliver enough cylinders in the flooded areas.
Minister K. Raju, G. Sudhakaran and E. Chandrasekharan paricipated in the video conference from Kollam, Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram respectively.