Malappuram: At least 22 people have died so far as boat capsized near Tanur coast in Malappuram a day ago, said Revenue Minister K Rajan on Monday.
"A total of 37 people have been identified so far out of which 22 people died, 10 people have been located in different hospitals and 5 are confirmed to have swum to the shore", said K Rajan.
"However the exact number of people who travelled on the boat could not be recorded. Let there be no more," he said.
"However, all searches are ongoing. NDRF, fire and rescue and scuba team are conducting the searches. The Navy's team has also come forward. The Coast Guard arrived yesterday. Only other help will be received from them. A second team of NDRF will also arrive here," the minister added.
Kerala Health Minister Veena George convened an emergency meeting of the State Health Department at midnight following the incident and directed the officials to ensure better treatment for the injured and the speeding up of the post-mortem process.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in the boat capsize incident and ordered the effective coordination of rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the kin of the deceased. (with Agency inputs)
