Sri Vijaya Puram, June 13: In a relief measure aimed at aiding families impacted by natural calamities, the South Andaman District Administration has sanctioned financial assistance to two households affected by a recent landslide at Haddo village. The Deputy Commissioner has approved an ex gratia relief amounting to Rs 1.20 lakh each for Danaiah and D. Papa Rao, whose homes suffered extensive damage in the incident that occurred on May 26, 2025.
The financial aid is being disbursed under the framework of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), which provide for assistance to victims of natural disasters such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and landslides. The relief aims to enable the affected families to recover from immediate hardship and start the process of rebuilding.
According to district officials, the landslide severely compromised the structural integrity of both houses, making them unsafe for continued habitation. Damage assessments were carried out by the revenue department before the disbursement decision was taken. The relief amount is expected to cover emergency repairs, temporary accommodation, or relocation needs as per the discretion of the beneficiaries.
Landslides in hilly or coastal terrain, such as South Andaman, are not uncommon, especially during the onset of monsoon or periods of heavy rainfall. Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable zones to remain alert and take necessary precautions. Emergency response teams have been instructed to maintain readiness during the rainy season, and local panchayats have been asked to coordinate with district disaster management units for swift action if similar events occur.
While the compensation is a welcome measure for the affected families, the incident has also triggered a broader review of slope stability and drainage management in the Haddo region. Civic engineers and disaster management officials are expected to undertake site visits and assessments to identify other high-risk areas that may require preemptive action.
The administration has also reiterated its commitment to providing immediate assistance in cases of unforeseen natural events, underlining the importance of rapid response and efficient relief mechanisms. The prompt release of funds in this case reflects the district’s operational preparedness and adherence to disaster management protocols.
The Haddo landslide comes as a timely reminder of the need for infrastructure planning that accounts for changing climate patterns and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. As the monsoon intensifies in the region, the district administration is expected to remain on high alert to mitigate potential risks to life and property.
With these relief measures underway, the South Andaman district continues to align its disaster preparedness efforts with national guidelines to ensure that vulnerable communities are not left behind in the wake of natural disasters.
