Even after a year has passed Kerala yet to receive aid for Wayanad Disaster.

The Central Home Ministry’s statement in the Lok Sabha is likely to raise fresh concerns about the Union government’s approach to disaster relief disbursal; No financial aid has been released to Kerala from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) during the financial years 2023–24 and 2024–25, the Lok Sabha was told on Tuesday, 2 July.

The disclosure came even as Kerala witnessed multiple natural calamities in recent years, including widespread floods and landslides, most notably in the Wayanad district in mid-2024, which caused significant loss of life and property.

Responding to a question by S Jagathrakshakan of the DMK, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed the Lower House that Kerala continued to receive its regular share from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) — ₹276 crore in 2023–24 and ₹291 crore in 2024–25. The Centre confirmed that no additional financial assistance was disbursed under the NDRF during this period.

The ministry reiterated that, as per policy, NDRF assistance is provided only in cases of severe disasters and following assessment by an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT). Kerala’s absence from the NDRF list for two consecutive years, despite facing major natural calamities, is likely to raise fresh concerns about the Centre’s approach to disaster relief disbursal.

A series of landslides occurred in Wayanad’s Vythiri Taluk early on 30 July 2024, killing at least 298 people. Additionally, 32 others are still missing.

Team Maverick