Kerala Govt Cancels Onam Celebrations After Floods Devastate State

Relief and rescue operations are underway across Kerala after heavy rains deluged the state.

(Photo: ANI)

Video Producer: Srishti Tyagi

Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam

The Kerala government on Tuesday, 14 August, cancelled this year's Onam celebrations after heavy floods devastated the state, leaving at least 47 people dead and displacing scores of others.

The government had allocated Rs 30 crore to the Onam celebrations, but now the money will be diverted to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund, IANS reported.

The week-long festivities were to take place in August -- with the Thiru Onam falling on 25 August.

What has occurred in our state has been the worst ever (disaster). A total of 444 villages have been affected. The money set aside for Onam will be used for relief. We seek everyone’s help in our efforts.

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan

Since 8 August, incessant rains have caused widespread destruction in the state and rivers to overflow. The shutters of 27 dams in the state were opened, tearing down crops and properties across Kerala.

According to a rough estimate, floods have affected over a lakh people.

Vijayan said the cabinet had decided to form a cabinet sub-committee to look into the quick implementation of the relief and rehabilitation programmes.

"From 3 to 15 September, special courts would be held to see that all those who lost valuable records are issued duplicate ones and that too free of cost.

"We have also asked the State Level Bankers Committee to see that when the compensation amount is transferred, they should not levy any charges," said Vijayan.

(With inputs from IANS)