KERALA, India, June 13: In response to the devastating fire tragedy in Kuwait that claimed the lives of 49 individuals and injured 50 others, the Kerala government has pledged financial assistance to the affected families. The announcement came after an emergency Cabinet meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday morning, as stated by his office.

A total of ₹5 lakh will be provided as financial aid to the families of those from Kerala who lost their lives in the tragic incident, the statement confirmed. According to government sources, 19 individuals from Kerala were among the casualties.

Additionally, the Cabinet has sanctioned ₹1 lakh in financial assistance for each person injured in the fire, the statement further outlined.

Recognizing the urgent need for coordinated efforts in the aftermath of the tragedy, the Cabinet decided to dispatch State Health Minister Veena George to Kuwait. Her mission will involve coordinating treatment for the injured and facilitating the repatriation of the deceased.

Prominent businessmen M A Yusuff Ali and Ravi Pillai have also come forward to extend support to the affected families. They have pledged ₹5 lakh and ₹2 lakh, respectively, for each family of the Kerala victims. Through collaboration with the Kerala government's Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA) department, the financial assistance from these businessmen will amount to ₹12 lakh for each family impacted by the tragedy.

The government's swift response underscores its commitment to providing relief and support to grieving families during this challenging time.