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)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)