pm-modi-to-inspect-landslide-damage-in-wayanad-on-aug-10

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad in Kerala on August 10. This visit comes in the wake of devastating landslides that struck the region on July 30, severely impacting the local communities.

 

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed the Prime Minister's visit during a press conference held in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday. The Chief Minister also stated that the state has requested the central government to declare the situation as a national disaster and a severe calamity.

 

The landslides hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad, causing significant damage and loss of life. The Chief Minister shared that a nine-member committee has been appointed by the central government to assess the situation and provide a report. The chairman of this committee visited the affected areas recently, and the state government is hopeful for substantial central assistance to support rehabilitation efforts.

 

As of now, the confirmed death toll stands at 225, with the remains of 195 individuals found and DNA samples sent for testing. Post-mortem procedures have been completed for 420 bodies, 178 of which have been returned to their families, and 233 burials have taken place.

 

Despite ongoing search operations, the efforts to locate missing persons continue. The Chief Minister expressed his hope that the Prime Minister's visit would bring greater attention to the plight of the affected residents and lead to more robust support.

 

The response to the disaster has seen substantial support from various quarters, including the South Indian film industry, which has generously contributed to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts and donations, which have been crucial in providing aid to those in need.

 

However, the relief effort has faced challenges. The Chief Minister reported that a large amount of clothing, around seven tons, was sent to the collection centre in Wayanad.

 

Unfortunately, most of this clothing was used and not suitable for distribution, adding to the logistical difficulties of the relief operation. The Chief Minister urged that future donations be carefully considered to avoid such issues.

 

In terms of immediate relief, a special team comprising army personnel, SOG officials, and forest officials has been actively conducting search operations in the Sunrise Valley area of Soojipara.

 

The Indian Army, having completed a ten-day rescue operation, will soon hand over the search efforts to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Force, and Kerala police.

 

The visit of Prime Minister Modi is anticipated to underscore the severity of the crisis and galvanise further support and resources for the ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts in Wayanad.