Rain havoc: Keralam Cabinet announces financial assistance to kin of deceased

Keralam Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan | Photo Credit: RK Nithin The Keralam Cabinet on Wednesday decided to sanction ₹8 lakh each as financial assistance to the kin of people who lost their lives in the recent rainfall-related incidents in the State.In all, nine people had lost their lives, while one person is still missing, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said after the weekly Cabinet meeting. Five people had lost their lives in flash floods in Malappuram district, while one individual has been reported missing. Two people each had died in Idukki and Kottayam district, the Chief Minister said.Campaign to reduce road accidentsThe State government will soon launch a ‘Road Safety Campaign’ aimed at “significantly reducing” road accidents, Mr. Satheesan said, observing that Keralam is witnessing an alarming rise in their incidence, he said. The Cabinet cleared the proposal on Wednesday.The campaign, which will see coordination among government departments, will be helmed by the Transport Department and will be modelled on the Operation Toofan launched by the Home Department to clamp down on narcotics. “On the one hand, there will be awareness programmes. On the other, there will be strict enforcement,” the Chief Minister said, requesting public support for the initiative.70th-year celebrations of State formationThe State government will conduct a nationwide ‘Festival Kerala’ to mark the 70th anniversary of the formation of the State of Keralam. Events will be organised in major cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru and Kolkata for showcasing the culture and art forms of the State and its tourism and investment potential, Mr. Satheesan said.Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting constituted a sub-committee with the Chief Minister as its chairperson and the Minister for Culture P.C. Vishnunadh as convenor for its organisation.Mr. Satheesan said the events in Indian cities will constitute the first phase of the festival. Whether such events should be held abroad will be decided in the second stage, he said.The Cabinet also decided to change the name of the newly-constituted Elderly Welfare Department to the Department for Senior Citizens. Published - September 23, 2026 12:46 pm IST