The Kerala government has revised the number of persons missing after the devastating Wayanad landslide to 119 after completing DNA tests of decomposed bodies and body parts. The state government has started disbursing emergency financial aid and solatium for families of the deceased.
According to the state government, the draft missing persons list had names of 130 persons and the numbers have been revised after completion of DNA tests. According to authorities, until August 14, 401 DNA tests were conducted to ascertain the whereabouts of body parts recovered. Delays occurred due to the difficulty of testing decomposed body parts, with identifications now being made by matching DNA with relatives, OnManorama reported.
Meanwhile, CCTV footage from some shops in Chooralmala has emerged showing the intensity of massive calamity. Visuals show flood water gushing into closed shops, destroying the building and goods stocked in the premises.
Rescue and relief measures are continuing in Wayanad. The school education department on Sunday said students of Vellarmala and Mundakkai government schools, which got destroyed in the landslide, will be accommodated at the government higher secondary school and a special facility in Mepaddi.
School Education Minister V. Sivankutty said additional facilities are being arranged for 552 students of the Vellarmala school and 62 students of the Mundakkai school. For this, additional classrooms, IT labs, and staff rooms would be newly constructed in Mepaddi, PTI reported quoting the minister. The minister added all educational materials would be provided for the students. As many as 36 children died in the landslide.
According to the state government, Rs 72 lakh has been disbursed to 12 people from the SDRF and CMDRF as financial aid. The government has also provided Rs 10,000 to as many as 617 people as emergency financial aid. Besides this, Rs 10,000 has been provided to 124 people for the cremation and burial of remains.
Major landslides hit the Mundakkai and Chooralamala regions of Wayanad on July 30, almost decimating both areas and killing over 200 people and injuring many.
The state government has sought Rs 2000 crore from the Centre for rehabilitation. Revenue Minister K. Rajan said the region has incurred loss to the tune of Rs 1,200 crore.
