Kottayam, Kerala: Kerala Minister for Water Resources and Housing Mons Joseph, who is in charge of Kottayam district, on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting and directed officials to implement immediate disaster relief measures in the rain-ravaged areas of Erattupetta and Poonjar, which have suffered extensive damage due to incessant rainfall.

The minister said the families of those who lost their lives in the natural disaster at Poonjar Thekkekara would receive immediate financial assistance from the government. He added that steps would be taken to place the proposal before the next Cabinet meeting to ensure long-term support for the affected families.

The Chief Minister has also assured compensation for traders who suffered losses in the disaster. The government will also expedite the disbursal of pending compensation to those affected by natural calamities in previous years.

The minister instructed officials to immediately shift residents living in disaster-hit and landslide-prone areas to relief camps. Local self-government institutions have been directed to ensure adequate food, drinking water and other essential facilities at the camps, with the state government bearing the expenses through the District Collector.

The government is also considering providing free ration to disaster-affected families, the minister said.

To strengthen coordination, Mons Joseph directed the District Collector to open a special control room in Erattupetta for disaster management and relief operations.

During the meeting, MP Anto Antony urged the government to consider a six-month moratorium on bank loans for affected farmers and traders and to ensure speedy compensation for those who suffered losses.

He also called for the formation of an Emergency Disaster Management Team based in Erattupetta and sought the supply of necessary equipment to volunteers involved in rescue and relief work.

Meanwhile, Poonjar MLA MJ Sebastian appealed to people to follow instructions issued by the police, revenue officials and elected representatives, and to move to relief camps when advised.

He also directed Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) officials to restore electricity supply at the earliest in affected areas.