New Delhi: In a significant move to support disaster-struck Kerala, the central government has sanctioned ₹153.20 crore as relief assistance for the state’s recovery from the devastating landslide and flash floods that ravaged the Mundakkai Churalmala region in Wayanad district. The financial package was released as part of the Centre’s contribution to the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), which also allocated aid to five other flood-affected states Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Uttarakhand.
The natural disaster, which occurred on July 30, 2024, claimed more than 420 lives, injured hundreds, and displaced countless families. Torrential monsoon rains triggered deadly landslides and flooding, which wiped out homes, roads, and farmland across the remote highland villages. In the aftermath, the Kerala government appealed to the Centre for immediate financial and logistical support to manage the crisis and begin the rehabilitation process.
The ₹153.20 crore assistance to Kerala will fund a range of emergency and recovery operations including search and rescue missions, temporary shelters, food and water supply, health camps, and infrastructure repairs. The funds are also expected to cover expenses related to debris clearance and restoration of damaged public utilities. Although the amount does not represent compensation, it serves as critical initial support for rebuilding and recovery.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the Centre’s solidarity with the affected states, stating that the Modi government remains committed to standing by the people during times of calamity. He affirmed that the funds were allocated based on the assessment of an inter-ministerial committee that reviewed the state’s disaster reports and requirements.
Kerala had earlier submitted a detailed Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA), estimating the total required assistance at over ₹2,200 crore. While the present allocation addresses part of the immediate needs, the state continues to seek further aid from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) and other central sources to manage long-term rehabilitation and infrastructure reconstruction.
As operations continue in the hilly terrains of Wayanad, efforts are also underway to cover additional costs, including those incurred by the Indian Air Force during relief airdrops. The state’s disaster management teams, along with central agencies, are racing against time to restore normalcy to the affected regions, while residents await permanent resettlement and renewed livelihoods.