Wayanad, Kerala (Sarhind Times) – August 10, 2024
The residents of Wayanad, Kerala, are gripped with fear following mysterious sounds believed to be associated with landslides. Early Friday morning, people from several parts of the district reported hearing loud noises and experiencing tremors from beneath the ground. The district administration has swiftly acted by evacuating residents from the affected areas to safer locations.
Wayanad District Collector D.R. Meghashree has confirmed that steps are being taken to ensure the safety of the residents. Schools in the affected regions have been closed as a precaution, and government officials have initiated investigations to determine the cause of the sounds.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) is also probing the seismic records to detect any unusual activity, though no seismic disturbances have been reported so far. A member of the Panchayat Ward mentioned that the sound was heard around 10:15 AM on Friday, causing widespread panic among the locals.
The district has been on high alert following recent landslides that have claimed 226 lives and left many others missing. The ongoing natural calamities have intensified concerns, leading to the swift evacuation of residents from villages like Ambalavayal and Vythiri Taluk to safer areas.
PM Modi to Visit Wayanad
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad on Saturday. During his visit, PM Modi will review the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts and meet with those affected by the disaster. Officials have stated that the Prime Minister will arrive in Kannur at around 11 AM, followed by an aerial survey of the landslide-hit areas in Wayanad. He will also visit relief camps and hospitals to interact with the victims.
The disaster has resulted in the deaths of nearly 300 people, and rescue teams are tirelessly working to locate those still trapped under the debris.
Families Search for Missing Loved Ones
For the first time since the disaster, families of the missing have arrived in Chooralmala to search for their loved ones. The grief of losing everything and the fading hope of finding their missing relatives alive is evident on their faces. Mohanan, a resident of Wayanad, is among those leading the search efforts, facing the grim reality of the landslide’s aftermath.
Government Seeks ₹2,000 Crore for Rehabilitation
The state government has announced that ₹2,000 crore will be required for rehabilitation efforts. The funds will be used to rebuild the agricultural sector, livestock, homes, buildings, commercial establishments, roads, and electricity infrastructure, along with private properties that suffered extensive damage. The central team was shown drone footage of the disaster-affected areas as part of the assessment.
The government has also stated that those currently in relief camps will be relocated to identified government quarters and other housing options.
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