Wayanad: In a significant relief measure for families affected by the devastating July 2024 landslides in Wayanad, the Kerala government has extended financial assistance for eligible disaster survivors until October 2026 and approved the continuation of psychosocial support activities until November 2026.
The government has sanctioned a combined ₹2,25,54,000 (approximately ₹2.25 crore) under two relief components.
The decision was formalised through Government Order G.O.(Rt) No.416/2026/DMD, dated October 9, 2026, issued by the Disaster Management Department.
The latest order follows recommendations submitted by the Wayanad District Collector after reviewing the socioeconomic conditions of affected families and the progress of livelihood restoration.
Financial Support for Families Who Lost Their Livelihoods
The devastating landslides occurred on July 30, 2024, in Wards 10, 11 and 12 of Meppadi Grama Panchayat, within Vellarimala Village of Vythiri Taluk in Wayanad district.
The disaster destroyed homes, disrupted livelihoods and displaced numerous families.
Under the existing relief framework, two eligible members of each family that lost its livelihood are entitled to financial assistance of ₹300 per person per day.
This provides a combined daily assistance of ₹600 per eligible household through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
An additional ₹300 per day is available from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) for one member of a household with a bedridden patient or a person requiring prolonged medical treatment.
Consequently, eligible families meeting the additional medical criteria may receive up to ₹900 per day under the combined assistance arrangements.
The government has now authorised the continuation of these financial assistance provisions through October 2026.
₹2.09 Crore Sanctioned from SDRF
The government has approved an allocation of ₹2,09,52,000 from the State Disaster Response Fund.
The allocation will be made under budget head:
2245-02-101-94-01 — Flood and Other Items.
The Finance Officer of the Disaster Management Department has been directed to initiate the necessary procedures to release the amount to the Wayanad District Collector.
The allocation is intended to support the continuation of financial assistance for eligible landslide-affected families.
₹16.02 Lakh Approved from Chief Minister’s Relief Fund
The government has also sanctioned ₹16,02,000 from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
According to the order, this allocation is intended for distributing house-rent assistance to eligible beneficiaries for September 2026.
The Revenue (DRF) Department has been instructed to take the necessary steps to release the amount to the Wayanad District Collector.
Together, the SDRF and CMDRF allocations amount to ₹2,25,54,000.
Psychosocial Support Extended Until November
Beyond financial assistance, the government has recognised the continuing psychological and social challenges faced by disaster survivors.
Psychosocial support activities have been provided to affected communities since August 2024.
The latest order allows these activities to continue until November 2026.
The decision follows an assessment of the current socioeconomic circumstances of disaster-affected families and the progress made in restoring their livelihoods.
The extension reflects the need to address the longer-term consequences of displacement, financial uncertainty and disruption to family life.
Government Reviews Long-Term Rehabilitation Needs
The October 9 order follows a series of previous government decisions extending assistance to landslide survivors.
Initially, financial assistance was approved for 30 days.
Subsequent orders extended the support period to 90 days and later authorised further extensions.
An earlier decision permitted assistance to continue until June 2026 or until the completion and handover of houses, whichever occurred first.
Later orders addressed additional extensions of financial assistance and rental support.
The government had also issued specific provisions relating to 177 families who received houses during the first phase of the township project and other eligible beneficiaries awaiting rehabilitation.
District Collector’s Recommendations Considered
The latest decision was taken after examining communications submitted by the Wayanad District Collector on September 15, September 18 and October 9, 2026.
The submissions highlighted the need to review the continuation of assistance in light of the current living conditions of affected families and the status of livelihood rehabilitation.
Following this examination, the government approved the extension of livelihood-related financial assistance through October and psychosocial support through November.
A Continuing Commitment to Disaster Rehabilitation
More than two years after the July 2024 tragedy, the rehabilitation of affected families remains an important administrative and humanitarian challenge.
The latest government order provides for continued financial assistance to eligible households while extending psychosocial support for another month.
The measures are expected to help families facing continuing economic hardship and the long-term consequences of the disaster.
