Torrential rains continued to wreak havoc in Kerala, causing landslides and floods in the state and resulting in the deaths of at least 39 people. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday announced that the state government has decided to cancel this year’s Onam celebrations in view of the devastating floods in the state caused by incessant rains.
The CM said the amount that was allocated for Onam-related programmes will now be used for flood relief activities.
The much-awaited harvest festival Onam is generally celebrated with fervour across the state. As per news agency IANS, the Kerala government had earmarked Rs 30 crore for cultural events scheduled to be held throughout the state. However, as the state has suffered the worst devastation in nearly a century due to the heavy rains and floods, the government has decided to transfer the amount to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
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The Thiru Onam falls on August 25 and the festivities were to take place for a week, IANS reported. After a cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan told reporters, “What has occurred in our state has been the worst ever (disaster). A total of 444 villages have been affected. The money set aside for Onam will be used for relief. We seek everyone’s help in our efforts.”
Meanwhile, adding to Kerala’s woes, Tamil Nadu on Tuesday said that it may release water of Periyar from Mullaperiyar reservoir. Giving details on this, Kerala Chief Secretary in an official release said, “The State Relief Commissioner of Tamil Nadu has intimated that Tamil Nadu may release water to Kerala side of Periyar from Mullaperiyar reservoir considering high inflow into the reservoir. Hence, the State Executive Committee of KSDMA has decided to release more water from Cheruthoni Dam.”
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