Kerala rains: 15 dead, seven missing, says CM Satheesan

Chief Minister V D Satheesan announced that 15 people have died and seven remain missing following severe rains in Kerala. The situation was under control across most districts, with only a few areas in Pathanamthitta experiencing difficulties. To aid in rescue efforts, 14 fishing boats from Kollam were deployed to Chengannur, and two helicopters reached Thiruvananthapuram.

One National Disaster Response Force team was also stationed in the affected region. As of 9 am, 316 relief camps were in operation, housing 11,018 people. Confirmed deaths occurred in Kottayam, Idukki, Vizhinjam, Muthalapozhi, Kollam, Malappuram, Kannur, and Kozhikode. Seven people were still reported missing. The government had already initiated preparedness measures prior to the heavy rainfall, deploying NDRF teams to Pathanamthitta and Kottayam, with two more teams expected to arrive soon.

Helicopters were already on site, and instructions were given for additional personnel usage in Alappuzha and Kannur. Crop damage was estimated at 164.98 hectares, impacting 3,596 farmers. The government offered financial assistance, including ₹10,000 for funeral expenses, ₹10,000 per family for those returning from relief camps, and ₹300 per person for those losing livelihoods, along with ₹800,000 in compensation for deceased families. Crop compensation was also to be increased following the next Cabinet meeting.