Kerala - Kozhikode   

Rain causes heavy losses in Velam panchayat

Staff Reporter

KOZHIKODE: Widespread destruction of cash crops and damage to houses have been reported from the Velam-Peruvayal grama panchayat in the district in the rain and strong winds that lashed the area on Saturday last.

Velam grama panchayat president E.K. Nanu said the total loss suffered by the panchayat was estimated to be at Rs.1 crore. “The people here depend mainly on coconut for their livelihood and the loss will have a serious impact on the economy of the region. A total of 1,500 coconut palms have been destroyed, besides 5,000 plantains, 500 areca palms and pepper vines.”

Mr. Nanu said six houses were destroyed and 51 damaged. Sources alleged that while the grama panchayat authorities had taken all measures to provide relief, the district authorities were yet to visit the area.

Meanwhile, free rations have been sanctioned for two weeks for those affected. Two relief camps have been opened by the grama panchayat authorities to accommodate those whose houses were damaged. The panchayat authorities are also in the process of getting assistance from the Indira Awaz Yojna, the district panchayat fund to provide housing assistance to those below the poverty line.

Madathil Moidu, secretary, block Congress committee whose house was also damaged, demanded that the authorities declare the Velam-Peruvayal-Thalavancherry-Thottukovummal areas as disaster affected and initiate measures to provide long-term loans from financial institutions.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Fake currency: one held
Rain causes heavy losses in Velam panchayat
‘LDF losing support’
Council concerned about rising crime
Three of family found dead

Copyright © 2007, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu