Thiruvananthapuram: In the wake of landslides in Wayanad, the Kerala government has declared three villages in Vythiri taluk as disaster-affected areas in the district. Kottapadi, Vellarmala, and Thrikkaipatta villages in the Meppadi gram Panchayat have been declared disaster-affected.

The announcement is part of expediting measures, including providing relief funds to the relatives of the deceased and the victims who have lost their valuables and other properties. This is necessary to get loan concessions and benefits through banks for those who are eligible. For this, the state-level bankers committee may meet within ten days.

Caution required only in eight places

The people of Wayanad are still shocked by the impact of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslides. The District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) is constantly being requested to check whether there is a possibility of landslides in the hilly areas of the district. The locals panicked on the last day after a small landslide happened on Kurumbalakotta Hill and Manikunnu Hill. A team of experts from the DDMA conducted inspections, and the necessary people have been relocated.

However, experts say that there is no need to fear, and extra caution is required only in eight places. The people here have already been relocated.