Wayanad, August 11, 2024:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the disaster-stricken region of Wayanad, Kerala, on Saturday to personally assess the aftermath of the recent catastrophic landslides that have claimed at least 226 lives and left many others missing. The Prime Minister’s visit underscores the gravity of the situation as ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts continue in the region.
Arriving at Kannur Airport at 11:10 am in the Indian Air Force’s Air India One aircraft, PM Modi was greeted by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and other top officials, including MLA KK Shailaja, Chief Secretary Dr. V. Venu, and DGP Sheikh Darvesh Sahib. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Union Minister of State for Petroleum Suresh Gopi, departed for Wayanad at 11:17 am in an Air Force helicopter, with Governor Khan and Chief Minister Vijayan also on board.
During his visit, the Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the worst-hit areas, including the Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Punchirimattom hamlets. He then landed in Kalpetta, where he spent over 50 minutes surveying the damage on the ground. PM Modi walked on the Bailey Bridge and later visited the St. Joseph relief camp in Meppadi, where he interacted with survivors. He also visited WIMS Hospital in Wayanad to meet with those receiving treatment.
The Prime Minister later chaired a detailed review meeting with officials, focusing on the ongoing relief operations and future rehabilitation strategies for the disaster-hit areas. In his address, he assured that the Centre would fully support Kerala in reviving Wayanad and expressed solidarity with the state during this difficult time.
The ongoing search and rescue operations were temporarily paused during the Prime Minister’s visit, with plans to resume on Sunday. So far, 197 body parts have been recovered, and 78 people remain hospitalized as rescue teams continue their efforts.
Kerala Seeks Rs 2,000 Crore Aid
Ahead of PM Modi’s visit, the Kerala government’s cabinet subcommittee met with a central team led by Rajeev Kumar, Joint Secretary with the Ministry of Home Affairs, to discuss the disaster’s scale. The Kerala government has requested Rs 2,000 crore in assistance for rehabilitation and relief efforts, citing significant losses in residential areas, agriculture, and infrastructure. The central team acknowledged the extensive impact of the disaster, indicating that a detailed study would be necessary to assess the full extent of the damage.
The state government has initiated plans to rehabilitate those displaced by the landslides into 125 houses, including government quarters identified for this purpose. Cleanup operations in the affected areas are expected to take around 90 days. Meanwhile, 23 relief camps continue to operate in Wayanad, sheltering over 2,200 people.
Rahul Gandhi Calls for National Disaster Declaration
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi welcomed PM Modi’s visit to Wayanad, expressing hope that the Prime Minister would declare the disaster a national emergency after witnessing the devastation firsthand. Gandhi, who previously represented Wayanad in the Lok Sabha, emphasized the need for comprehensive aid and support for the region. “Thank you, Modi ji, for visiting Wayanad to personally take stock of the terrible tragedy. This is a good decision,” Gandhi said in a post on X. “I am confident that once the Prime Minister sees the extent of the devastation firsthand, he will declare it a national disaster,” the former Congress chief added.
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