Around 21 people including mostly children lost their lives after houseboat capsized at Tanur in Malappuram of Kerala on Sunday evening.
The boat was carrying around 40 passengers.
Total deaths so far have been reported at 21 out of whom 7 are critical, said Kerala sports minister V Abdurahiman.
Rescue operating is being carried on as more people are feared trapped under the boat.
The incident is said to have occurred around 7 pm, however the exact reason behind the tragedy is yet not clear, said the police.
In the mean time, soon after hearing about the incident Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh to the families of victims from national relief fund.
“Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased,” said the Prime Minister in his tweet.
Expressing grief at the mishap, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has cancelled all his official programmes and is scheduled to travel to Tanur on Monday morning.
He has even ordered the Malappuram District Collector to lead a coordinated emergency rescue operation.
