Pathanamthitta flood relief to reach beneficiaries from September 5

The Kerala government will begin disbursing the promised ₹10,000 financial assistance to families and commercial establishments affected by the August 1 floods in Pathanamthitta district from September 5, Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar said on Thursday.

The announcement came during a Revenue Department review meeting at the Collectorate, following concerns that the aid had not reached any of the affected households even weeks after the announcement and after the Onam festival. The Minister assured that the government would ensure the assistance is delivered to beneficiaries at the earliest.

Disbursal will first cover families and businesses for which the assessment of flood-related damage has been completed. The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to making relief distribution quick and transparent.

The assistance package includes ₹10,000 for every family whose house was inundated, regardless of whether they stayed in relief camps. Additionally, rental support is being provided to families who had to leave their flooded homes, along with a daily allowance of ₹300 for two members of such families. Commercial establishments damaged by the floods are also eligible for ₹10,000.

The Minister also said a permanent mechanism would be established in the district to handle monsoon-related disasters, and technical studies would be undertaken to reduce the impact of floods and other rain-related calamities.

The review meeting also discussed arrangements for the upcoming Sabarimala Mandala-Makaravilakku pilgrimage season, land distribution, eviction of encroachments, land conversion, tax collection, the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund, and the grievance redressal portal.