The Kerala government has taken swift action following the tragic fire at a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait, announcing financial aid and sending Health Minister Veena George to the Gulf country to coordinate relief efforts.

In a special cabinet meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the government approved an ex gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh to the families of each deceased victim and Rs 1 lakh for those injured in the June 12 incident, which claimed the lives of over 40 Indians.

Health Minister Veena George, accompanied by State Mission Director (NHM) Jeevan Babu, will oversee efforts to treat injured Keralites and facilitate the repatriation of deceased victims' bodies.

The cabinet disclosed that 19 individuals from Kerala lost their lives in the tragic fire. Additionally, Kerala-based business leaders Yusuf Ali and Ravi Pillai pledged donations of Rs 5 lakh and Rs 2 lakh, respectively, through the Non-Resident Keralites' Affairs (NORKA), bringing total assistance to Rs 12 lakh per affected family.

Expressing condolences for the victims, the cabinet assured that efforts are underway, led by NORKA and expatriates, to provide comprehensive support to those affected by the disaster. A help desk and global contact center are operational round the clock, with full backing from the state government to Indian government interventions in Kuwait.

Professor K V Thomas, Kerala's representative in Delhi, is in constant communication with the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate the ongoing efforts.

Read More:

Indian Embassy Aids Citizens Affected by Kuwait Fire Tragedy

Kuwait Building Fire Claims 49 Lives, Live Updates: Jaishankar Speaks with Counterpart

Tragedy in Kuwait: 41 Dead, 50 Injured in Mangaf Building Fire, Including 10 Indians