- By Nidhi Giri
- Tue, 13 Aug 2024 07:58 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Wayanad Landslides: A five-member expert team guided by senior scientist John Matthai of the National Centre for Geosciences appointed by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) will examine the landslide-affected areas in Wayanad's Meppadi on Tuesday.
The team will assess how the disaster happened and what phenomena led to the landslide. After the expert examination, a report will be submitted to the government.
The expert panel will also recommend suitable land uses for the area. The team will function under the Disaster Management Authority Act 24(h) of 2005. The Centre of Excellence in Water Related Disaster Management (CWRM) Principal Scientist and Head Dr TK Drishy, Suratkal NIT Associate Professor Dr Srivalsa Kolathayar, District Soil Conservation Officer Tara Manoharan, and Kerala Disaster Management Authority Hazard and Risk Analyst P Pradeep are in the expert group, news agency ANI reported.
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Additionally, Kerala Health Minister Veena George has directed the appointment of more psychiatry expert doctors from medical colleges to provide help in disaster areas. This is in addition to psychiatrists and counsellors in the Department of Health.
Activities are being carried out to ensure the mental health of people, including children. Individual and group counselling is provided.
As disaster-struck Wayanad struggles to return to normalcy, the Kerala government and the Centre are working hand in hand to provide relief to the victims, helping them rehabilitate to safer locations.
The Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government has announced emergency financial support for those whose homes got shattered by the landslides on July 30. Accordingly, each family staying in the relief camps will get a financial aid of Rs 10,000 each.
(With Agency Inputs)