more-in Life is limping back to normalcy in the flood-hit regions of Ernakulam district even as the district administration on Monday said that the red alert would remain in place for two more days. District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla said that water levels at Cheruthoni and Edamalayar dams were under control, and that there was no cause for worry, as the rain has subsided. Water levels in the Periyar have also receded, and the number of people accommodated in relief camps came down considerably by Monday. According to official figures, as many as 834 persons from 223 families are staying at 10 camps in the district including SPW LP School, Thaikkatukara; SNDP Hall, Keezhmadu; St. Mary’s Parish hall, Elavoor; GHSS, Kunnumpuram; LP School, HMT Junction; Hindalco Union office, Paravur; GLPS, Kuttikattukara; Pathalam High School, Anganwadi No. 17, Amanathupallam, Vayalakkara, Anganwadi No.20, and Cheriyathekkenakam. An intensive drive to clean up public places and homes will begin on Tuesday. A decision in this regard was taken at a review meeting on the flood situation convened by the District Collector. Addressing the meeting, the Collector said that immediate steps would be taken to provide financial aid to the affected families. The extent of damage will be assessed as part of the release of assistance, while repair work on damaged houses will begin soon. Families that lost clothes and utensils will get an emergency aid of ?3,800 each. The village officers concerned will identify the beneficiaries. Mr. Safirulla said the aid should reach all flood-affected people within a week. The clean-up drive will be co-ordinated by the Department of Health and Suchitwa Mission. It will be carried out with the support of the local population and voluntary organisations. Anbodu Kochi, NSS, NCC, and Nehru Yuva Kendra have agreed to join the drive. A separate plan of action will be devised for each home based on the extent of damage. Wells polluted by flood waters will be chlorinated. Besides, samples will be taken to assess water quality. Officials will check if snakes and other reptiles have entered the flood-ravaged homes. The district administration has suggested that canals and ponds be cleaned up under the employment guarantee scheme. Tahsildars will be in charge of such activities. The services of independent observers will also be availed. A release issued here said that actor Jayasurya had visited the relief camp at Kerala Auditorium in Thelathuruthu in Puthenvelikkara. V.D. Satheesan, MLA, accompanied him. The actor donated rice for the inmates. He also visited camps at UP School, Kuthiyathodu; Government LP School, Elanthikkara; Government LP School, Malavana, and Valiyapazhampillithuruthu.

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