Alappuzha/Kottayam: Even as Kerala grapples with the aftermath of the rain fury, political squabbles have broken out with the Congress-led opposition slamming the CPM-led LDF government for failing to respond to the situation.
Leader of the opposition Ramesh Chennithala, who visited the flood-ravaged Kuttanad areas of Kottayam and Alappuzha districts, blamed the state government for not responding to the situation.
"It is unfortunate that though Alappuzha district has three state ministers, it was only today that one of them turned up along with a central team to assess the situation," he said.
"This is a calamity, but not a single minister has turned up to be with the people. The relief camps lack basic facilities. The CM has not held a special cabinet meeting to handle the emergency situation," said Chennnithala.
Alappuzha district is home to state PWD minister G Sudhakaran, food minister P. Thilothaman and finance minister Thomas Isaac, who is undergoing ayurveda treatment.
Sudhakaran, who arrived with the central team, dismissed the allegations, saying the government has done everything it can.
"The need is to extend all help in terms of medicines, water and food. A minister's visit would not matter," said Sudhakaran at Alappuzha.
Kuttanadu legislator Thomas Chandy said he had to shift his family to escape the rising water.
"I have provided three of my boats to bring relief and help the affected people," said Chandy.
In Kottayam, low lying areas such as Aymanam and Kumarakom were the worst affected. In many homes, one family member has stayed back in the waterlogged homes to protect their belongings, while the others are living in the relief camps.
The toll in rain-related incidents in Kerala has gone up to 41 since the onset of monsoon on May 29. The damage to property is estimated to be close to Rs 1,000 crore, officials said.
More than 10,000 people are in relief camps in these two districts. Most educational institutions have been closed for the week.
Adding to the mess union minister Kiren Rijiju skipped the most-affected Kuttanad region, which was marooned in the incessant rain. The minister announced a handsome package for the flood ravaged state but was accused of limiting his visit to a 'namesake show.'
Rain-hit Kerala | In pictures
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