Kerala - Kochi
Money being paid to kin of those who died in rain havoc

Staff Reporter

Most relief camps closed as situation improves

KOCHI: Distribution of compensation to the kin of those who died in the rain havoc in the district this week started on Saturday.

Compensation was distributed to the kin of two of the dead, according to District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish.

A sum of Rs. 50,000 is being given to the next of kin of the dead if they were major, while Rs. 15,000 will be paid to those of minors. The compensation will be distributed through the respective MLAs, the Collector said.

Relief camps opened since the onset of the monsoon are being closed down, with the rain-affected people returning to their houses as the situation improved. Only two camps, at Edavanakkad and Elamkunnappuzha, are open at present.

Damage assessment
Assessment of loss in the natural calamity is going on. Distribution of free rations to the affected families will begin as soon as the Government Order arrives.

A request for sanctioning funds for constructing and repairing seawalls has been submitted to the Government, Mr. Hanish said.

The district administration is estimating the amount required for the work.

Steps are being taken to prevent damage in calamities during the monsoon, and 50,000 sandbags bought from Kozhikode in this regard have arrived. These are being distributed through village officers.

Medical teams have intensified inspection to prevent epidemics.

Hotels and other public eateries are being continuously monitored, Mr. Hanish added.
(The Hindu - June 4, 2006)