Following the devastating rains and floods that hit Kerala in the month of August, questions have been raised as to the amount required to rebuild the state. Initial reports presented by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said that the expected material loss in the state is Rs 20,000 crore. This was the number before the flood waters completely receded.
After taking into consideration all the damages following the recession of water levels, Industries minister EP Jayarajan on Wednesday has said that there is a total loss of Rs 40,000 crore.
According to media reports, Kerala will submit its reports on flood losses to the Centre on Thursday.
According to Times of India, EP Jayarajan said that the state cannot determine its loss based on the Centre’s criteria. He said that losses will be categorised across sectors and adequate compensation will be requested.
The Central government had earlier offered an urgent relief amount of Rs 600 crore to Kerala.
Jayarajan said that the Kerala government will complete the distribution of Rs 10,000 each to the affected family members by Thursday.
The Minister announced this after a meeting of the cabinet sub-committee formed to oversee the flood rehabilitation operation.
“On Wednesday, 5.01 lakh families had been given Rs 10,000 each and the remaining 96,500 families will receive money on Thursday. The distribution of kits containing essential items to the families have been completed,” he said.
Heavy rains received in three segments from May 29 claimed 491 lives, with 14 persons still missing.
At the height of the deluge, there were 14.50 lakh people in over 3,000 relief camps. A total of 4,778 persons are still housed in 120 relief camps.
The Minister said that by now 6.89 lakh homes had been cleaned.
"The local self governments have been doing this. What remains to be cleaned are 3,501 more homes. A total of 3.19 lakh wells have also been cleaned and 4,213 tonnes of bio-degradable waste have been disposed of," said Jayarajan.
Meanwhile, the government has sanctioned an interest free loan of Rs 1 lakh to buy household appliances through the Kudhumbhasree programme.
"We expect a detailed report from agencies like World Bank and ADB. Once they submit their reports, we will know how much aid these agencies will be giving," added Jayarajan.