Alappuzha: Kerala’s Cherthala CPI(M) local committee member Omanakkuttan was caught on camera collecting money from flood victims at a relief camp. The leader can be heard telling the flood victims that he needs money to give the lorry driver to bring food materials to the relief camp.

He also told the people that he needs more money to give for the plot owner as electricity charges that the flood victims used in the relief camp. He can also be heard that authorities concerned didn't give money for the flood victims, so he is collecting money from the victims.

Also read: Kerala floods: Death toll mounts to 104; Malappuram remains worst-hit district

Meanwhile, Cherthala tahsildar told the media that the government is giving money to the flood victims and money for their food and other necessities. He added that he had warned the local committee member not to repeat this.

According to sources, it is reported that during August 2018 floods, the same local committee member coordinated for the flood relief programmes. Complaints are piling up against the same CPM member, that last year too he had collected money from the flood victims.

Also read: Kerala floods: Man-made factors triggered Wayanad landslide, says district soil conservation officer

Meanwhile, the Kerala government announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to the kin of the deceased in rain-related incidents in the state and Rs 10 lakh each to those who lost their houses and land in the floods.

Over 2.25 lakh people have taken shelter in 1,318 relief camps across the state where the rains have triggered numerous landslides or caused floods in most of its 14 districts. Death toll due to floods and heavy rains in Kerala on Thursday afternoon mounted to 104.