Kollam: As many as 2,884 fishermen in 642 boats joined hands to rescue flood victims in the state, fisheries minister J. Mercykkutty Amma said.
“The fishing community has done a commendable job in rescue operations," she said.
"They will be given public felicitation here. The maintenance of boats damaged during the operation will be taken up by the government and is even ready to replace the engines if necessary.”
The department will distribute funds for maintenance through the Matsyafed after preparing the list of boats that took part in rescue operations.
The government has supplied 34,807 litres of kerosene, 3895 litres of diesel, 230 life jackets, 1423 litres of engine oil, and 40 new engines to these fishermen helping them in rescue operations.
“They rescued 70 per cent of the victims and the rest by the Army and the public,” she said.
Ms Amma urged the concerned panchayats to complete cleaning operations in flood-affected areas in a time-bound manner.
“It should be completed within four days after the water receded. The health department should take necessary steps to prevent contagious diseases,” she said.
The revenue and police departments should work under coordination to speed up the rehabilitation processes.”
