Normalcy returing to Idukki district

Normalcy is returning to the Idukki district of Kerala where heavy rains and landslips for the past two days claimed 15 lives.
"Things are returning to normal. Search and rescue work by National Disaster Response Force and army personnel are almost over," Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after a cabinet meeting.
The government has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on August 9 or 10 for an all party delegation from the state to meet him to submit a memorandum seeking financial assistance for flood relief works, Chandy said, a day after he termed the calamity as one of the worst suffered by the state.

The decision to send the delegation was taken at an all party meeting here yesterday to take stock of the flood situation in the state.
Incessant rains had led to water logging of the runway of the Cochin International Airport leading to its closure for traffic on Monday. Operations were resumed last evening after the water was pumped out.
Chandy said government gave sanction in principle to Public Works Department to take up repair works of roads damaged in the rains at an estimated cost of Rs 431 crore.
The Finance Department after verifying the project details would accord sanction for the work.

It has also been decided to incorporate a provision of performance guarantee in the works contract agreement with contractors, he said.