Over 3.42 lakh in relief camps, toll at 322

Over 3.42 lakh people from flood-affected areas of Kerala are living in relief camps across the state, official figures said on Monday.

The figure was over four lakh on Sunday. The death toll in landslides and flooding since August 8 is 322.

A total of 3,42,699 people are living in 1,093 camps. Even as more people continued to leave camps and returned to their homes, the camps are likely to remain open for a few more days.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan took stock of the situation at a meeting here with senior officials. Efforts are still underway to clear water from flooded areas. Water is being distributed in areas with contaminated wells and areas where supply has been disrupted.

Earlier in the day, the chief minister reviewed the post-flood situation and ongoing rehabilitation measures through video conferencing with the district collectors. The interim compensation of Rs 10,000 to people who were shifted to relief camps, delayed so far due to bank holidays, will be disbursed soon.

The government is consolidating the list of relief beneficiaries and is expected to start disbursing the compensation during the week.

With schools including the ones converted to relief camps set to reopen on Wednesday, the authorities are also identifying locations for temporary accommodation in auditoriums and public halls.