Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday said 15 people have lost their lives and seven others remain missing in rain-related incidents across the state, adding that the overall situation was under control despite continuing heavy rainfall.

Speaking at a press conference after chairing a joint emergency meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority, Satheesan said the government had reviewed the situation across Kerala and found conditions to be under control in all districts except a few areas in Pathanamthitta.

As part of the state's preparedness measures, 14 fishing boats from Kollam have been deployed to Chengannur to assist in rescue operations.

The Chief Minister said two helicopters from Sulur in Tamil Nadu had arrived in Thiruvananthapuram, while one National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team had already been deployed in the affected region.

"Food packets have been prepared for distribution through helicopters and ground teams, and all necessary arrangements have been completed," he said.

According to the Chief Minister, 316 relief camps were operational across the state as of 9 am on Monday, providing shelter to 11,018 people displaced by the rains.

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Providing a district-wise breakdown of casualties, Satheesan said three deaths were reported from Kottayam, including two in the Erattupetta area of Poonjar constituency and a child who accidentally fell into a water tank in Puthuppally.

Two people died in Idukki. One death each was reported from Vizhinjam and Muthalapozhi, where one person is also missing.

Kollam recorded two deaths and two missing persons, while Malappuram reported four deaths and one missing person.

Kannur reported one death and two people missing, while one person died in Kozhikode.

The Chief Minister confirmed that seven people remain missing according to the latest official figures.

He said the state had initiated preparedness measures even before the heavy rainfall began.

One NDRF team has been deployed in Pathanamthitta and two teams in Kottayam. Two additional NDRF teams have also been requested from Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu and are expected to reach Kerala shortly.

"Helicopters have already arrived. Directions have been issued to deploy Indo-Tibetan Border Police personnel in Alappuzha if necessary. Instructions have also been given to utilise the Defence Security Corps in Kannur and Wayanad if the situation demands," he said.

Preliminary assessments indicate crop damage across 164.98 hectares, affecting 3,596 farmers, though the Chief Minister said the figures were expected to rise once detailed assessments are completed.

Satheesan also urged the public not to believe false claims circulating on social media regarding the release of water from major dams.

Sharing the latest reservoir levels, he said Idukki reservoir was at 38.91 per cent capacity, Edamalayar at 46.64 per cent, Banasura Sagar at 52.9 per cent, Kakki at 44.82 per cent, Kallada at 45 per cent, Malampuzha at 35 per cent and Peechi at 34 per cent.

"False reports claiming that water is being released from major reservoirs are creating unnecessary panic. Strict action will be taken against those spreading such rumours," he said.

Announcing immediate relief measures, the Chief Minister said the government had sanctioned Rs 10,000 towards funeral expenses for each deceased person.

Families returning home after floodwaters entered their houses will receive immediate assistance of Rs 10,000 per family.

People who have lost their livelihoods due to the disaster will receive Rs 300 per person per day, limited to two beneficiaries per ration card, until normal conditions are restored.

Satheesan also said the families of those who died in the disaster would receive a total compensation of Rs 8 lakh.

In addition, the government has increased financial assistance for families whose homes were completely destroyed in major landslides from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 12 lakh.

The Chief Minister also indicated that compensation for crop losses would be revised upwards.

"The existing compensation rates are too low. For instance, only Rs 13,500 was payable for two-and-a-half acres of damaged paddy fields. The Agriculture Department has been asked to submit revised proposals. The government has decided to increase crop compensation, and the revised rates will be announced after the next Cabinet meeting," he said.

Responding to questions about rumours concerning dam safety, Satheesan reiterated that there were no issues with any of the state's major reservoirs and that inspections were being carried out in accordance with the 2022 operational guidelines.

"This was a flash flood event. Until late in the night, there was no indication from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that such an extreme event would occur. The exceptionally heavy rainfall developed suddenly during the night. Once rainfall of this intensity begins, there is practically no time left for evacuation," he said.

He added that although warning messages were issued overnight, the IMD's forecasting systems have limitations when it comes to predicting highly localised cloudburst-like events.

"Rainfall exceeding 200 mm is categorised as extremely heavy rainfall. In several places, rainfall crossed 300 mm, while Vadasserikkara recorded nearly 350 mm," he said. (PTI)