Search operations are still underway to trace at least 16 more people missing at the site of landslide that devoured a huge settlement in Rajamala’s Pettimudi on August 7.
While the Kerala government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 5 lakh each to the bereaved families, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh for each family.
'Three days after the settlements were swept away by devastating landslides at Pettimudi near Rajamala, authorities have now decided to take help of sniffer dogs to trace the persons buried under the debris,' officials said.
More Defense Security Corps, Natural Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Fire and Safety personnel reached Pettimudi on Saturday to conduct rescue operations.
More than a dozen have been rescued and are under treatment in various hospitals in Idukki, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts, since Thursday midnight the tragedy struck Rajamalai.
