Loss much more than primary estimate of Rs 20,000 crore:CM

The loss and damage to Kerala due to the devastating deluge would be much more than the primary estimate of Rs 20,000 crore, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said today.

Rescue operations were over and the thrust now is on rehabilitation and rebuilding the state ravaged by the rain fury that claimed 322 lives since August 8, Vijayan told reporters after holding a meeting here to review the post-flood situation.

"Rehabilitation process of the displaced is progressing in the right direction," he said.

The chief minister rejected the Congress-led UDF opposition charge that the LDF government has not utilised the Ockhi cyclone relief fund.

The cyclone hit the state's coast in November last year causing massive damage and claimed more than 100 lives, mostly of fishermen.

"I fail to understand why opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala is coming out with such a charge now at a time when all people are extending support.

When people are contributing towards the chief minister's disaster relief fund, why is he (Chennithala) making statements suggesting do not pay?" Vijayan asked.

The chief minister also gave details of the amount spent from the Ockhi relief fund and said government has not diverted any amount for other purposes.

On the opposition demand to have a separate account for the relief amount received for the present calamity, Vijayan said "it will come as part of procedure. There is no need for any concern over such issues."
The main issue before the government is whether to rehabilitate people in the same areas which were prone to flood and landslides, he said, adding "government has already started thinking on this matter."