Wayanad (Kerala) | The company executing the tunnel project at Kalladi has been directed to provide immediate as well as long-term financial assistance to the families of those killed and injured in the July 7 landslide, Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique said on Sunday.

Eight people were killed in the July 7 landslide near the construction site of the road tunnel project at Kalladi, which is intended to connect Wayanad and Kozhikode districts.

Speaking at a review meeting held at the Collectorate, Siddique said the company had also been instructed to remove the earth that collapsed during the landslide and the soil dumped at the site as part of the tunnel work within three days.

The minister said an expert committee would arrive in the district to inspect the accident site.

He said the panel would examine the area and submit a report on how, when, from where, and in what manner the accumulated earth should be removed, and recommend safety measures.

The minister said the state government would provide Rs two lakh as financial assistance to each of those injured in the landslide, while the company would provide Rs 2.5 lakh.

The company would also extend additional financial assistance to the three persons undergoing treatment in the critical care unit.

Siddique said the company had also been directed to provide immediate as well as long-term financial assistance to the families of those killed and injured in the landslide and disburse the amount to their accounts within 10 days.

He said school bus and Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) services would be ensured for students travelling from Chooralmala to schools in Meppadi.

He said the number of jeep services from Chooralmala would also be increased. Check posts would be set up on both sides of the Meenakshi river, while Fire and Rescue Services personnel, police and company representatives would be deployed to ensure the safe movement of people across the Meenakshi bridge.

The Meppadi grama panchayat was directed to find alternative accommodation for the owners of a house below the Meenakshi bridge that was partially damaged in the landslide.

The minister also directed the panchayat to prepare and submit a plan to shift people living in low-lying areas to safer places during periods of heavy rain.

He said free ration would be provided for one week to people who were left isolated following the landslide.

Siddique said the Ground Water Department had been directed to inspect the affected area following the disruption of the drinking water supply, while the Kerala Water Authority and the panchayat had been asked to coordinate water supply until borewells and related facilities are provided.

The Public Works Department was directed to examine the structural strength of the Meenakshi bridge and install railings, while the Irrigation Department was entrusted with carrying out river restoration works.

The minister also said search operations had been concluded after all those reported missing in the landslide were traced.

He said personnel of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue Services, police, Civil Defence volunteers and local residents had carried out an intensive search operation over six days with effective coordination.