Rahul Gandhi, in the Lok Sabha, has urged the Central Government to declare the landslides in Wayanad a national disaster
New Delhi [India], August 7: On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, addressing the Lok Sabha, urged the Central Government to declare the landslides in Kerala's Wayanad a "national disaster," and called for a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the affected and an increase in compensation.
"I visited Wayanad with my sister recently and witnessed firsthand the devastation, pain, and suffering caused by this tragedy. More than 200 people have died, and many are missing, with the total casualty count expected to exceed 400," Rahul Gandhi stated.
The Congress leader praised the efforts of various agencies involved in the search and rescue operations. "It is heartening to see all communities come together to help," he added.
Gandhi requested the Union Government to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation package, increase compensation, and officially recognize the Wayanad landslides as a national disaster.
He also commended the work of the Union and Kerala state governments, as well as the personnel from the NDRF, SDRF, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Fire Department, and neighboring states including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, for their assistance.
Rescue operations by the Indian Air Force, Army, and state authorities are ongoing in the landslide-affected Wayanad region, now in its ninth consecutive day.
According to the Defence PRO in Kochi, "Collaborative rescue operations by the IAF, IA, and state authorities are ongoing in the Wayanad region. A specialized team of soldiers, along with the Army, was airlifted by the IAF from Kalpetta to Chaliyar River."
The landslides, which struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai on July 30, have claimed over 300 lives and caused extensive property damage.
Earlier today, a special team of six trained Army personnel, four SOGs (Special Operations Groups) from Kerala Police, two Forest Officers, and a dog squad was dispatched to the Sunrise Valley of Soojippara waterfalls in Wayanad for search operations. Taposh Basumatary, Superintendent of Police, SOG, mentioned, "We are including a cadaver dog and its handler. Today’s team will cover more areas downstream after covering 4 kilometers yesterday."
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has pledged to ensure world-class rehabilitation for the affected areas, aiming to create a model for the nation and the world. He also noted that government employees and teachers have pledged to contribute at least 5 percent of their salaries to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund, which has accumulated Rs 53.98 crores since July 30.