Wayanad (Kerala) | Kerala Agriculture Minister T Siddique on Monday denied allegations of delays in disbursing financial assistance to victims of the July 7 landslide at the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project site, saying the relief process was progressing without any slowdown.

Responding to allegations raised by some of the injured survivors, Siddique said the government had carried out disaster management operations at an unprecedented pace and ensured adequate medical care for those affected.

"The relief and compensation process is progressing smoothly, and follow-up treatment for the injured is being provided at their respective hospitals," he told reporters.

"Financial assistance to the families of those who died is being disbursed, while steps are underway to release assistance for the injured. There is no delay in the process, and it will be completed soon," Siddique said.

The minister said the government was taking a "very positive" approach to extending all necessary support to the affected persons.

His remarks came a day after some of the injured alleged that they had not received the financial assistance announced by either the government or the construction company and were facing severe hardship as they were unable to return to work.

They said they were also struggling to meet their medical expenses because of the delay in receiving compensation.

Eight people were killed and several others injured in the July 7 landslide at the Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel project site, which is aimed at improving connectivity between Wayanad and Kozhikode districts.