Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister V D Satheesan on Monday said the overall rain situation in the state is under control, with only certain parts of Pathanamthitta continuing to face difficulties following heavy rainfall and flash floods.Speaking after a review meeting with district collectors and senior govt officials, Satheesan described Friday’s incident in Pathanamthitta as a “flash flood,” saying there had been no warning until late at night.“So far, 15 rain-related deaths have been confirmed, while seven people are missing,” he said. A total of 11,018 people have been evacuated and are being accommodated in 316 relief camps across the state.Satheesan said govt had put in place all necessary emergency arrangements, including the deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, opening of relief camps and ensuring adequate food supplies. In Pathanamthitta, additional fishing boats have been brought in from neighbouring districts to strengthen rescue operations.On concerns over reservoir safety, he said water levels in the state’s major dams remain well below critical levels. Only Moozhiyar dam requires close monitoring presently, while Idukki reservoir is at 38.91% of its storage capacity and Idamalayar at 46.64%.He clarified that any decision to open smaller dams would be taken only with the approval of the respective district collectors. “Several fake reports are being circulated claiming that dams are being opened. Strict action will be taken against those spreading such misinformation and creating panic,” he said.On the monsoon impact, Satheesan said preliminary estimates showed crop damage over 165 hectares, affecting 3,596 farmers. He said govt would enhance compensation for crop losses and place the proposal in the next Cabinet meeting for approval.Satheesan announced enhanced relief for disaster victims. Families of those killed in rain-related incidents will receive Rs 8 lakh each, while those whose houses have been completely destroyed will be given Rs 6 lakh. Families that have lost both their homes and land will receive Rs 12 lakh. He said the revised compensation is higher than in previous years. Govt is also considering increasing financial assistance to farmers affected by crop losses, he added.The CM said accurately predicting the exact location of extremely heavy rainfall is difficult, noting that some areas recorded up to 350mm of rain within a short period. However, govt had undertaken extensive pre-monsoon preparedness, including review meetings, advance advisories and coordination with district administrations, he said. A meeting of district collectors was also convened on July 30 to assess the state’s preparedness.To strengthen disaster preparedness, Satheesan said govt would expand its disaster management resilience programme in collaboration with agencies, including Cochin University of Science and Technology, to improve the accuracy of weather forecasting. Measures will be taken to remove accumulated silt and sand from rivers and reservoirs as part of a long-term flood mitigation and water management strategy, he added.
