We’re covering a tragic event that has unfolded in Wayanad, where a massive landslide has wreaked havoc across several hamlets. Torrential rains have triggered landslides, killing at least 173 and many more missing. Areas including Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha have faced huge destruction.
Rahul Gandhi’s Visit to Affected Areas
In view of this disaster, Wayanad MP and Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi reached the ground. With his sister Priyanka Gandhi by his side, Rahul arrived at Kannur airport at 9:30 a.m. today to head towards Wayanad. The visit reflects their strong bondage with the place and commitment to addressing the crisis.
Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi visited the areas that were burnt to ashes, including Chooralmala and the Community Health Centre in Meppadi. Further on their schedule will be a visit to Dr Moopen’s Medical College and two relief camps at Meppadi. Their presence highlights the urgency of support and spotlights the relief ongoing at this moment.
Government Response and Rescue Operations
The rescue and relief operations are being personally coordinated by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. According to him, though, the operation has been quite challenging as the soil displacement from the landslides is huge. The Army’s construction of a Bailey Bridge could allow the rescue operations to proceed much more easily.
The Chief Minister has gone ahead to appoint a cabinet sub-committee comprising four ministers who will directly oversee the relief operations. They will stay in Wayanad and ensure proper coordination and support is accorded. Twelve ministers are presently on field duty working on managing the rescue and relief operations in the most affected areas.
VIDEO | Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) , and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) visit the ground zero at landslide-hit Wayanad, Kerala.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 1, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/WbbFvfSqAX
Next Steps and Community Reaction
This now shifts the focus to the long-term recovery and rehabilitation process for the survivors. At this view, the Government of Kerala is undertaking all kinds of support processes and shall keep the privacy of the affected families during this painful moment.
Added to this are national and local organizations coming together in relief. This has been a unified response to the disaster. Contributions to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund and other channels of relief can thus be made.
VIDEO | #Army, #NDRF and other agencies are constructing a temporary bridge in landslide-hit Wayanad as the relief and rescue operations continue on war footing in region.#WayanadLandslide #WayanadDisaster
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 1, 2024
(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/n147TvqRQz) pic.twitter.com/Ac2p1R1YUb
While bringing our coverage to an end, the devastating destruction caused by the Wayanad landslide will be very clear. The rescue operations underway, involving bigwigs such as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, apart from the indefatigable efforts of the state government of Kerala, will provide hope for the people here. It’s a poignant reminder that even amid such tragedies, it is the strength of community and the resilience that comes with it that can see one through such calamities.
