Kerala: 21 dead as houseboat capsizes in Malappuram; Ex-gratia announced
What's the story
At least 21 people reportedly died after a houseboat capsized in Kerala's Malappuram district on Sunday while ferrying tourists. Eight people have been admitted to various hospitals, and a search operation is underway. While officials are yet to find out the exact number of individuals on the boat, it is believed that around 35 people were onboard at the time of the incident.
Details
Search operation underway to find more victims
According to the news agency ANI, efforts to bring the capsized boat to shore are ongoing as more people are believed to be trapped under it. Reportedly, the boat had two decks: a lower deck with seats and an upper one where people could stand. Furthermore, search operations to find other victims are underway with the help of fire services personnel and voluntary workers.
Further information
Regional fire range officer provides update on matter
Speaking to ANI, Regional Fire Range Officer Shiju KK said that 21 dead bodies have been recovered. "So far, we have recovered 21 dead bodies. We don't know the exact number of people on the boat, so we are continuing the search to find out whether there are more victims trapped in the mud or not," revealed KK.
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Visuals from Malappuram
#WATCH | Kerala: Rescue operation underway after a tourist boat capsized near Tanur in Malappuram district.
— ANI (@ANI) May 7, 2023
So far, death toll in the incident stands at 18. https://t.co/SXfTZcZyi7 pic.twitter.com/sxvwiAFpV9
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PM announces Rs. 2 lakh ex-gratia for kin of deceased
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. two lakh for them from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF). "Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families," the Prime Minister's Office said in a tweet.
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PM's office's tweet after incident
Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 7, 2023
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Deeply saddened by tragic boat accident in Kerala: Murmu
President Droupadi Murmu also offered her condolences and stated that she was deeply saddened by "the tragic boat accident in Kerala." Taking to Twitter, the president wrote, "I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured."
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Twitter post by Murmu
The tragic loss of lives in the boat mishap at Malappuram, Kerala is extremely shocking and saddening. My heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. I pray for well-being of the survivors.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) May 7, 2023
Further details
Vijayan sends heartfelt condolences
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving friends and families in the Malappuram tragedy. "Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Tanur boat accident in Malappuram. Have directed the District administration to effectively coordinate rescue operations, which are being overseen by Cabinet Ministers," Vijayan said in a tweet.
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Twitter post by Kerala CM
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives in the Tanur boat accident in Malappuram. Have directed the District administration to effectively coordinate rescue operations, which are being overseen by Cabinet Ministers. Heartfelt condolences to the grieving families & friends.
— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) May 7, 2023