Heavy rains hamper search operations in landslide-hit areas of Wayanad
After the completion of the exercise, the team will submit a comprehensive report to the government. They have also been asked to recommend land use options for the areas affected by the disaster
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rescue operations in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad district were temporarily stopped due to heavy rainfall in the Chooralmala region on Tuesday.
Following the Cabinet subcommittee's decision, search efforts resumed in the morning with army, fire force, forest department, and Kerala police's special operations group being deployed across the area for the task. Additional body parts were retrieved from Vellarmala and Thalapalli in Wayanad, as well as Kumpalappara in Malappuram district.
Expert team visits disaster hit areas
Earlier in the day, a team of experts from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) began their assessment of the regions devastated by the landslide to evaluate the feasibility of future habitation. The five-member team, headed by John Matthai, a senior scientist at the National Centre for Geosciences, will also assess potential risks in the disaster-stricken areas and surrounding locations. They will conduct a thorough examination of the site and perform various soil tests to determine the causes of the devastating landslide.
After the completion of the exercise, the team will submit a comprehensive report to the government. They have also been asked to recommend land use options for the areas affected by the disaster.
Meanwhile, DNA tests are being conducted on the samples of bodies and body parts at the laboratories. Officials have stated that over 400 samples have been dispatched for DNA testing, with results anticipated by the weekend.
Temporary accommodation for affected people
The authorities have scaled up the efforts to find temporary accommodation for the disaster-affected people currently in relief camps. The officials have identified buildings under the Public Works Department, local self-government institutions, and privately-owned rental properties. At present about 100 government buildings are available for occupancy.
Additionally, 253 privately owned buildings within various local self-government jurisdictions have been earmarked for rental use. Moreover, about 100 building owners have offered houses for rent.
Efforts are underway to provide temporary rehabilitation by supplying home appliances to those affected by landslide disasters. The government is actively preparing for this temporary resettlement.
The government is securing essential household items for families moving into temporary housing to facilitate the transition.
CM relief fund for landslide victims surpasses Rs 100 crore
Contributions to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) for the landslide victims at Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Wayanad district have surpassed Rs 100 crore. In the past two weeks, Rs 110.55 crore has been collected for the relief fund. Starting from July 30, all incoming funds to the CMDRF will be allocated for the landslide victims' aid.
Individuals from diverse backgrounds are making contributions to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund to aid Wayanad. Opposition leader V D Satheesan, senior Congress leader A K Antony, and other political figures, including those from the film industry, have made donations. The account numbers for various banks participating in the relief fund are listed on the portal http://donation.cmdrf.kerala.gov/.