Former Wayanad MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has called on the central government to provide urgent support and release compensation for those affected by the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district. Addressing the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Gandhi emphasized the necessity of a comprehensive action plan to mitigate the increasing frequency of natural calamities in ecologically fragile regions.
Rahul Gandhi’s Appeal in Parliament
“Early this morning, Wayanad was hit with several devastating landslides with more than 45 people being killed. Mundakai village has been cut off and the devastating loss of lives and extensive damage is yet to be assessed due to the scale of the tragedy,” Gandhi said. He also mentioned his discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan regarding the urgent need for assistance.
“I request the union government to extend all possible support for rescue and medical care and immediate release of compensation to deceased people and if the compensation can be increased as well. Restore vital communication and transportation lines, set up relief at the earliest, and prepare a road map for the rehabilitation of the affected families,” the former Wayanad MP urged.
Concerns Over Increasing Landslides
Expressing concern over the rise in landslides, Gandhi stated, “Even as I speak the threat of landslides looms over many areas in Wayanad and western ghats. Our country has witnessed an alarming rise in landslides in the last few years. There is an urgent need for mapping of landslide prone areas and to take up mitigation measures and an action plan to address the growth in frequency of national calamities in ecologically fragile regions.”
Devastation in Wayanad
Triggered by heavy rains, landslides in Wayanad have resulted in at least 45 deaths and numerous injuries. The collapse of the main bridge linking the affected area to the nearest town of Chooralmala has further hampered rescue operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast extremely heavy rain in the region throughout the day, compounding the crisis.
Rescue Operations and Immediate Measures
Authorities have enlisted the Army to construct a temporary bridge to reach the affected areas, which are predominantly tea and cardamom estates in Mundakkai. Many individuals are feared to have been washed away in the Chaliyar river. TV footage showed rescuers navigating through muddy waters amid destroyed houses, rocks, and uprooted trees.
According to several additional reports, 250 people have been rescued from the location of the disaster out of which 116 have been admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Also Read:- Supreme Court Delays Decision On Manish Sisodia’s Bail Petition Until August 5
