Puttingal fire: NDRF deployed men at work, more on standby

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General (DG) O.P. Singh on Sunday said that his men are making all efforts to help the people in the ongoing relief and rescue operations following the Puttingal temple fire tragedy in Kerala's Kollam district, adding that more teams would be deployed if the situation demands.

The NDRF DG said that he is in touch with the state government and the district administration in this hour of crisis.

"The minute we got the news we alerted our four battalions in Chennai. As of now, we have sent one team and have also kept our four teams on standby. If necessary, we will deploy more teams," said Singh

"The team includes doctors, nurses, paramedics, medical first responders, who will give pre hospital treatment," he added.

The Kerala Government has announced a judicial inquiry to be headed by retired high court justice Krishnan Nair into the Puttingal temple fire incident.

Chandy told ANI in an exclusive conversation after emerging out of the Cabinet meeting that the inquiry committee would submit its report within six months.

"We have announced an ex relief of Rs. 10 lakhs to next of kin of the people, who have died in the accident and free treatment to all the injured. Apart from that, serious injured will get Rs. two lakhs and Rs. 50,000 will be given to minor injured people," said Chandy.

Elaborating on the rescue operations, the Chief Minister said, "The rescue part is almost over and now we are all concentrating to give the best available medical treatment to the injured."

At least 105 people were charred to death in a fire accident at Puttingal temple during a festival at Paravur in Kollam district early this morning. 350 people have been injured and admitted to various hospitals.

The fire broke out due to the explosion of crackers at the temple. The fire has now been brought under control.

The district administration has set up a control room number. The number is 0474-251-2344 (Repeat 0474-251-2344).