Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his assurances of comprehensive support to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan following catastrophic landslides that struck Wayanad early Tuesday morning amid ongoing heavy rains in the region.
In response to the disaster, the Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased, while those injured will receive Rs 50,000. This was confirmed in a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.
At least four people have been confirmed dead, and several others are feared trapped as a result of the landslides. The Prime Minister expressed his distress over the situation via a post on X, stating, “Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there.”
Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured.
Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2024
In addition to his conversation with Chief Minister Vijayan, Modi also reached out to Union Minister Suresh Gopi and BJP President JP Nadda, urging them to ensure that party workers contribute to the relief efforts. The Prime Minister also discussed the situation with Minister George Kurien to coordinate the response.
According to WIMS Medical College, 48 people are currently receiving treatment, and four bodies have been recovered so far. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority reported that the landslides occurred around 3:49 am in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk.
Rescue operations are underway with the involvement of 250 personnel from Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, NDRF, and Local Emergency Response Teams. An additional NDRF team has been dispatched to the scene, and two Air Force helicopters— a Mi-17 and an ALH— are also participating in the rescue efforts, as stated by the Chief Minister’s Office.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured that all possible measures are being taken to coordinate the rescue operations. “Since the incident, government systems have been working in a unified manner. Ministers will reach Wayanad and lead the activities,” Vijayan said in a statement.
Health Minister Veena George announced that the Health Department has set up a district-level control room to handle emergencies. Individuals in need of urgent health services can contact the helplines at 8086010833 and 9656938689.
