New Delhi, April 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday announced Rs two lakh each as compensation for the next of the kin of the dead in Kollam temple fire in which more than 80 people have been killed. He also announced Rs 50,000 each for the injured in the tragedy that occurred early this morning in Puttingal Devi Temple near Kollam town.
Expressing deep anguish and shock over the disaster, he directed the Indian Air Force to ferry the injured to hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram for treatment.The Prime Minister also decided to visit the temple town for taking stock of the situation and meet the injured.
Meanwhile, Navy and Indian Air Force have deployed ships, helicopters to help in rescue operations.The Indian Navy and the IAF have deployed six helicopters and one Dornier aircraft to help in rescue operations at the Kerala temple where a fire has left over 110 dead.
The IAF has deployed four choppers including Mi17 and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). The Indian Navy is deploying one Dornier and two ALH with medical teams from the southern naval command. It has also deputed three Naval ships — INS Kabra, Kalpeni and INS Sunayna RPT Sunayna with medical stores to Kollam coast to give medical assistance to the injured. Surgical teams have also been put on standby at the Naval command hospital in Kochi.
President Pranab Mukherjee has expressed heartfelt condolences over the loss of lives in the massive fire. “Heartfelt condolences on loss of lives in Kerala temple fire,” he said in a tweet. “Urge state government and other agencies to provide all help to bereaved families and medical assistance to the injured,” the President said.
