Take steps to help victims: VS

Opposition Leader V S Achuthanandan has said that immediate steps should be taken to help the victims of torrential rains and landslides in north Kerala. Eight persons died in the flash floods and landlsides in Kannur and Kozhikode districts. There were complaints that the disaster management efforts were not up to the mark, Achuthanandan said.

Even though the Pazhassi dam had been overflowing for over two days, it has not been possible to open the shutters resulting in widespread damage and destruction.  There are also apprehensions about the stability of the dam.  The help of the Navy should be sought if the situation required, Achuthanandan said.

He demanded compensation for the relatives of the persons who died as well as for those who lost their property and crops.