The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed Fireforce and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to the affected area, where hundreds are believed to be trapped.
Digital Desk: As the death toll rises from a massive landslide that struck the hilly regions near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district early Tuesday morning, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has urged the Union government to provide comprehensive support for rescue efforts and medical care. He also called for the prompt release of compensation for the families of those who have died.
In his address to the House, Gandhi stated, “This morning, Wayanad was severely impacted by multiple landslides. Over 70 people have lost their lives. I have already spoken with the Honourable Defence Minister and the Chief Minister of Kerala. I urge the Union government to offer all possible support for rescue and medical assistance, to release compensation immediately, and to consider increasing the amount. Additionally, a plan for the rehabilitation of affected families should be prepared.”
He further emphasized, “… landslides pose a threat to various areas in Wayanad and the Western Ghats. The country has seen a troubling increase in landslides over recent years. It is crucial to map landslide-prone areas, implement mitigation measures, and develop an action plan to address the growing frequency of natural disasters in these ecologically sensitive regions.”
At least 50 people have died, and many more are missing after heavy rains triggered the landslide. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed Fireforce and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to the affected area, where hundreds are believed to be trapped.
Union Minister JP Nadda, speaking in the Rajya Sabha, expressed his concern over the fatalities and described the situation as a national issue. “This is not just a tragedy for Kerala; it concerns the entire nation. Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, the Indian government is actively engaged in relief efforts in Kerala,” he stated.
Nadda assured that the government is taking necessary steps for rescue operations. “On behalf of the government, I assure you that all required actions will be taken. The Prime Minister has spoken with the Kerala Chief Minister and provided assurances. Support from central agencies has been dispatched and is working in coordination with the state government. Our primary focus now is to recover the bodies and rescue any survivors. We must activate the Emergency Response System,” he said.
Vice-President and Chair of the House Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed the deep concern of the House members during the Question Hour, stating, “Every member is deeply concerned. Our country is united in this.”
So far, at least 15 bodies have been recovered from the Chaliyar River in Malappuram, with more feared to have been swept away. The police reported that efforts to recover additional bodies from the river are ongoing.
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