“Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi at Wayanad. | Photo Credit: via X – @iamvijayvasanth”
On Thursday afternoon, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and his sister Priyanka Gandhi visited the landslide-devastated regions of Chooralmala and Mundakkai near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district. Accompanied by AICC General Secretary and Alappuzha MP K C Venugopal, the Congress leaders assessed the extent of the disaster before heading to the Community Health Centre in Meppadi. Their presence brought national attention to the tragedy in Wayanad, a constituency Rahul Gandhi won in the 2019 general elections.
Rahul Gandhi expressed his sorrow and commitment on social media, stating: “Witnessing these scenes of tragedy deeply pains my heart. In these difficult times, Priyanka and I stand with the people of Wayanad. We are closely monitoring the relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that all necessary assistance is provided. The UDF is committed to extending all possible support. The repeated incidents of landslides and natural calamities are extremely concerning. A comprehensive action plan is urgently needed.”
Ongoing Rescue Operations
As the death toll from the landslides climbed above 200, rescue operations continued into Thursday. The Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, acknowledged the challenges faced by the rescuers. He indicated that the mission might take several more days, despite the efforts of a newly appointed cabinet sub-committee and the presence of twelve ministers in Wayanad. The Army had informed Vijayan that all possible survivors had been rescued, yet many people remain missing, with numerous bodies recovered from the debris and the Chaliyar River.
Government Response and Challenges
Massive landslides, triggered by torrential rains, hit Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha hamlets in the early hours of Tuesday. The initial rescue efforts were hampered by the massive accumulation of soil. However, the construction of a Bailey Bridge by the Army is expected to facilitate the ongoing mission. Chief Minister Vijayan assured that the government would take comprehensive measures to rehabilitate the survivors, emphasizing the need to respect the privacy of families in relief camps.
Relief Efforts and Community Support
To support the victims, Vijayan announced the establishment of separate relief camps for individual families, aimed at ensuring their privacy and peace. The government has implemented strict regulations to control access to these camps, including the setup of reception desks to register visitors and the prohibition of cameras within the camps.
In addition to these measures, the Chief Minister received donations for the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) and expressed his commitment to visiting the disaster-hit areas soon.
Conclusion
As the rescue and relief operations continue, the full extent of the tragedy in Wayanad is still unfolding. The concerted efforts of government authorities, the Army, and community leaders reflect a shared determination to address the immediate needs of the affected populations while preparing for long-term rehabilitation and recovery.
