Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced significant support measures for families affected by the recent devastating landslides in Wayanad district during a Cabinet meeting on August 14, 2024. The government will provide an ex gratia payment of ₹6 lakh to the next of kin of victims who lost their lives in the disaster that struck on July 30.
To initiate claims, only immediate family members such as parents, spouses, and children are required to submit documentation, as siblings must demonstrate financial dependence on the deceased to qualify for the compensation.
Additionally, those reported missing due to the landslide will also be eligible for compensation, with authorities estimating around 118 individuals are unaccounted for.
The government will further assist those who sustained disabilities during the disaster, offering ₹75,000 for individuals with 60% disability and ₹50,000 for those with a disability rating between 40% to 60%.
As part of the identification efforts, authorities have collected DNA samples from unclaimed bodies in morgues—52 deceased individuals and 194 body parts have been cataloged so far. Forensic experts have successfully matched 349 body parts to 248 people, working diligently to provide families with closure in this tragic situation.
In a compassionate move, the Chief Minister unveiled plans to underwrite rents up to ₹6,000 per month for temporary housing needed by families affected by landslide evacuations. This aid extends to families temporarily residing with friends or relatives. However, those accommodated in government or charity-provided housing will not qualify for this support.
Additionally, the government will provide household essentials and free cooking gas to eligible families. Looking ahead, the Chief Minister confirmed plans for constructing permanent modern housing for displaced families, alongside measures to streamline the replacement of any crucial documents lost during the disaster, enabling residents to obtain duplicates without fees. Government officials will conduct on-site verification in relief camps to facilitate this process.
