Malappuram

Kerala Revenue Minister K Rajan on Monday said that 22 people have died so far in boat capsize incident near Tanur coast in Kerala's Malappuram on Sunday.

The minister informed that a search operation by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and rescue teams is underway.

"22 people died. 10 people have been identified in different hospitals. Five people were confirmed to have swum in. A total of 37 people were identified," said K Rajan.

"The exact number of people who travelled on the boat could not be recorded. Let there be no more," he said.

"However, all searches are ongoing. NDRF, fire and rescue and scuba team are conducting the searches. The Navy's team has also come forward. The Coast Guard arrived yesterday. Only other help will be received from them. A second team of NDRF will also arrive here," the Kerala minister added.

The boat capsize happened in the Malappuram district.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George convened an emergency meeting of the State Health Department at midnight following the incident and directed the officials to ensure better treatment for the injured and the speeding up of the post-mortem process.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday condoled the loss of lives in the boat capsize incident and ordered the effective coordination of rescue operations.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident and announced an ex-gratia of Rs two lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased.