Standing through tough times, PM Modi extends support with financial assistance of Rs 500 Cr to flood hit Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, August 18: With the arrival of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kerala and taking stock of the flood situation, PM Modi announced financial assistance of Rs 500 Cr to the state. After a review meeting, PM Modi made an aerial assessment of the damages caused due to floods in some of the affected areas of the State. 

 

The Prime Minister reviewed the flood situation during a meeting with CM Pinarayi Vijayan, and officials of the State Government. In addition to the financial assistance been given to the state, an announcement on addition made to Rs. 100 Cr. announced by the Home Minister on August 18. He also assured the State Government those relief materials including food grains, medicines etc. would be provided, as requested.

 

PM also announced ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh per person to the next kin of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to those seriously injured from PM’s National Relief Funds (PMNRF). PM Modi has directed Insurance Companies to hold special camps for assessment & timely release of compensation to the affected families and beneficiaries under Social Security Schemes. The directions have also been issued for early clearance of claims under Fasal Bima Yojna to agriculturists.

 

PM Modi also has directed National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to repair main national highways damaged due to floods on priority. The Central Public Sector like NTPC and PGCIL has also been directed to be available to render all possible assistance to the State Government in restoring power lines. Villagers, whose kutcha houses have been destroyed in the devastating floods, would be provided Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin houses on priority irrespective of their priority in the Permanent Wait List of PMAY-G.

Under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme 5.5 Cr. person days have been sanctioned in the labor budget 2018-19. Any further request for incurring the person days would be considered as per the requirement projected by the State.

 

Under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, farmers would be provided assistance for replantation of damaged horticulture crops. The flood situation in Kerala has been continuously and closely monitored by the Union Government. All help is being provided to the State Government to deal with the adverse situation. The Prime Minister has been in constant touch with the Chief Minister regarding the flood situation.

 

On the direction of the Prime Minister, Home Minister of State Kiren Rijiju, accompanied by the K.J. Alphons, and a high-level Central Team visited the flood-affected districts of Alappuzha and Kottayam on July 21, reviewed the flood situation, relief measures and met affected people.

On 12th August, 2018, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh accompanied by K.J. Alphons, and senior officers visited the flood and landslide affected areas of Kerala and carried out aerial survey of the affected areas and reviewed the search, rescue and relief measures taken by the State and Central Government agencies with CM, Kerala, and other Ministers and Officials. The Home Minister also announced the release of Rs. 100 Cr. in advance from the NDRF.

57 Teams of NDRF involving about 1300 personnel and 435 Boats are deployed for search and rescue operations. Five (5) Companies of BSF, CISF and RAF’s have been deployed in the State to carry out rescue and relief measures.

The Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard are also deployed for assisting the State in search & rescue operations. A total of 38 helicopters have been deployed for rescue and relief measures. In addition, 20 Aircraft are also being used for ferrying resources. Army has deployed 10 Columns and 10 Teams of Engineering Task Force (ETFs) involving around 790 trained personnel’s. Navy is providing 82 teams. The Coast Guard has provided 42 teams; 2 helicopters and 2 ships.

Since 9th August, the NDRF, Army, and Navy together have rescued and evacuated 6714 persons and provided medical assistance to 891 persons.

The Prime Minister complimented the State Government for the efforts made in meeting the challenges of the unprecedented situation. He observed that rescue of people who are still marooned remains the topmost priority. The government of India will continue to support the State Government in all its endeavors.