Proper weather information system soon: CM Pinarayi Vijayan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the government would soon put in place an effective communication system to provide timely weather warning to fishermen. At a press conference here, the chief minister said the communication system would be able to give information to individual fisherman. There should not be a situation where a fisherman says he could not get timely warning. The government announced Rs 10 lakh compensation to  kin of those killed in the cyclone.

This will be exclusive of the compensation of Rs 4 lakh given by fisheries department to fishermen who die at sea. Apart from this, Rs 5,000 would be given from Fish workers Welfare Board. Those injured will be given Rs 20,000 each. The chief minister said rescue operations were continuing on a war footing with navy, coast guard and airforce carrying out search operations. So far 450 stranded fishermen have been rescued and 105 are still missing. Of  the rescued persons, 132 are from Thiruvananthapuram, 66  Kozhikode, 55 Kollam , 40 Thrissur 40 and Kanyakumari 100. In Lakshadweep Kalpeni 12 boats carrying 138 persons have reached there safely.

The government had announced one week free ration for coastal population in the wake of cyclone. One of the problems being faced by those engaged in rescue operations those standard are not ready to leave their fishing boats. The chief minister said fishermen whose boats got destroyed or who lost boats would be given reasonable compensation. The compensation package for fishing boats will be sanctioned after getting report from the fisheries department. Those who are under treatment in various hospitals will be given free treatment and food. At the moment more than 529 families are put up in 30 camps. They are being provided free food and health facilities.

Health minister is giving special focus on the coastal areas.  The chief minister thanked navy, coast guard and air force for carrying out commendable rescue operations. Even the army was on guard. He thanked the central departments which responded positively to the state government’s request.