Kerala has announced a major relief package after intense monsoon rain, flooding and landslides killed 15 people, left seven missing and forced more than 11,000 residents into relief camps.

₹8 Lakh Compensation for Bereaved Families

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the government would provide ₹8 lakh to the family of every person who died in rain-related incidents. An additional ₹10,000 has been sanctioned for funeral expenses. Families returning home after floodwater entered their houses will also receive immediate assistance of ₹10,000. People who lost their livelihoods will be paid ₹300 per person, limited to two members on each ration card until normal conditions are restored.

Death Toll Rises as Relief Camps Shelter Thousands

The confirmed toll has reached 15, while seven people remain missing in different districts. Kottayam, Malappuram, Kollam, Idukki, Kannur, Kozhikode and coastal areas were among the locations reporting deaths or missing persons. As of Monday morning, 316 relief camps were sheltering 11,018 people displaced by flooding, landslides and rising river levels. The government said most districts were under control, though parts of Pathanamthitta continued to face serious flooding.

Rescue Teams, Boats and Helicopters Deployed

Fourteen fishing boats were moved from Kollam for rescue operations, while two helicopters from Sulur reached Thiruvananthapuram to support emergency work. National Disaster Response Force teams were deployed in Pathanamthitta and Kottayam, with additional units requested from Arakkonam. Food packets were prepared for distribution by air and ground teams. The government also kept additional security personnel ready for deployment in vulnerable districts.

Housing and Crop Relief to Be Increased

Preliminary assessments found crop damage across nearly 165 hectares, affecting 3,596 farmers. Satheesan said the existing compensation was inadequate and directed the Agriculture Department to prepare revised rates for approval at the next Cabinet meeting. Assistance for houses completely destroyed in major landslides has been increased from ₹10 lakh to ₹12 lakh. The Chief Minister rejected social media claims that major dams were releasing water, saying reservoir levels were being monitored under safety guidelines and warning of action against those spreading panic.