Thiruvananthapuram: The rescue operations have almost reached the final stages with 608 persons rescued from different parts of the state on Monday.
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the rescue operations will continue till the last person is saved. As on Monday, 10.28 lakh persons are in the relief camps of which 2.12 lakh are women, 2.03 lakh men and children below 12 years 1.01 lakh.
Six deaths were reported on Monday taking the death toll since August 8 to 223.
He said the relief operations have to be carried out extensively. Steps have been taken to provide food and medicines. In many places the circumstances are better for people to return home as water has receded. However, the houses are not habitable.
The government has decided raise volunteers in each area and the names of such people would be available on the website keralarescue.in. LPG cylinders and other assistance would be provided at the local level. The distributors have assured to extend all help.
The RBI has assured to exchange soiled currency notes of people in the affected areas. Restrictions have been imposed on providing help to the relief camps. All contributions should be routed through the officials who are in charge of the camp no direct contribution would be entertained. No organisations or their members will be allowed to function or enter the relief with their identity symbols.
The state government will organise a public function here on “August 29 to felicitate the fishermen who took part in the rescue operations in various parts of the state. The local bodies have been directed to ensure the presence of the fishermen who took part in rescue operations. The chief minister formally invited the coastal people to attend the function.
The chief minister thanked all voluntary organisations, NGOs, youth for their massive contribution in relief and rehabilitation. “Our youth – young girls and boys have reinforced that they are the ideal torchbearers of the state by showing exemplary humanitarian approach, sense of sacrifice and above all unity in distress,” Pinarayi said. The government thanked owners of tipper lorries and other vehicles which were used extensively for rescue operations.
