Centre sanctions Rs 52 crore to Kerala, flood toll hits 93

The Centre has sanctioned Rs 52 crore immediate assistance to Kerala, which has been battered by rain and floods, while the state government has sanctioned three-month free ration for the victims of natural disaster.

This was announced by Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan. Medicines worth Rs 4 crore would also be sent, he added.

"I was told by the Union Minister of State for Home that when he asked the Kerala Chief Minister if he was happy with the Centre's response, Pinarayi Vijayan remarked, 'This is enough'," said Muraleedharan, who will be touring Wayanad and Malappuram on Friday.

According to the latest figures, the rain-induced death toll in Kerala has reached 93 and around 2.24 lakh people were staying at 1,243 relief camps.

Kerala Minister for Food and Civil Supplies P. Thilothaman said in the state capital on Tuesday three-month free ration would be provided to flood victims. "Of course, the Centre has to provide supplies. But what we have in stock will be distributed," said Thilothaman.

The worst-hit districts include Wayanad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Kasargode, Idukki, Kottayam, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Palakkad.

The meteorological department has issued a red alert in Malappuram and Kozhikode for Wednesday and all educational institutions at Ernakulam, Thrissur and Kozhikode shall be closed on that day.

State Health Minister K.K. Shailaja after a review meeting said with people returning to their homes would be shocked to see the condition of their houses. "Special counselling sessions would be conducted and people are advised to follow medical professionals' advice," said Shailaja.

The health department has stated that people in direct contact with flood waters should take a dose of doxicycline.

( With inputs from IANS )