298 persons killed in Wayanad landslides: Govt informs Parliament

New Delhi: The government informed Parliament on Tuesday that 298 people were killed in the landslides that struck Kerala’s Wayanad district last year. Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai stated that while the Centre does not maintain centralized data on deaths or missing persons due to disasters, including landslides, the Kerala government reported that the total death toll from the Wayanad landslides stood at 298. Rai also noted that 32 individuals who were missing have been declared deceased.

In response to questions about compensation, Rai explained that the Centre, based on a report from an inter-ministerial central team (IMCT), approved a sum of Rs 153.47 crore for relief operations related to the landslides and flash floods of 2024. This amount covers expenses for using Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters in rescue and relief efforts, as well as for debris clearance, as per actual costs incurred.

Additionally, the central government allocated Rs 388 crore for Kerala in the state disaster response fund (SDRF) for the financial year 2024-25. This includes Rs 291.20 crore as the central share and Rs 96.80 crore from the state’s share. The first installment of Rs 145.60 crore was released on July 31, 2024, with the second installment of the same amount provided on October 1, 2024.

Rai further informed that the Kerala Accountant General reported a balance of Rs 394.99 crore in the state's SDRF account as of April 1, 2024, ensuring sufficient funds for ongoing relief efforts.

Kerala conducted a Post Disaster Need Assessment (PDNA), which estimated a total requirement of Rs 2,219 crore for recovery and reconstruction. The landslides, which occurred on July 30, 2024, caused significant destruction across three Wayanad villages—Punchirimattom, Chooralmala, and Mundakkai—along with parts of Attamala.

With PTI inputs