New Delhi, August 7 – In the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called on the government to declare the recent landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad a national disaster. Speaking during Zero Hour, Gandhi also demanded higher compensation for those affected.
Emphasizing the severity of the calamity, Gandhi stated, “I saw it with my own eyes. I visited many different places where the disaster took place. In some cases, an entire family is gone, with just one person remaining, sometimes an adult or a child.” He expressed his gratitude to those who assisted during the disaster, acknowledging the efforts of the state governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as the central forces and the army in rescue operations.
Gandhi highlighted the tragic impact of the landslides, which have resulted in over 200 deaths and a significant number of people still missing. “The eventual casualty count may exceed 400,” he said. He praised the unity displayed by communities during the crisis, noting, “It is heartening to see all communities coming together to help people, regardless of different ideologies.”
Pointing out that the landslides had severed vital roads, exacerbating the crisis, Gandhi urged the government to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation package, build disaster-resistant infrastructure, and enhance compensation for those affected. “It is a huge tragedy,” he said, emphasizing the need for swift and substantial government intervention.
