Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Postpones Events After Wayanad Landslides
Wayanad (Kerala) [India], July 30: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered the postponement of all state government public events scheduled for Tuesday following landslides in Wayanad that have claimed the lives of at least 24 people.
According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, the landslides occurred in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk of Wayanad district, at around 3.49 am on July 30. Around 70 people have sustained injuries in the massive landslides.
Health Minister Veena George said, “We have received 24 bodies in different hospitals. Around 70 people are also injured. We have ensured proper treatment of the injured. Teams of NDRF and Civil Defence are present there; a team of Navy will also be reaching there soon. A bridge in the area has also washed away.”
Officials mentioned that an Army Engineering Group will be urgently deployed to Wayanad for rescue operations. The Madras Engineering Group (MEG) from Bangalore will arrive to implement alternative arrangements after the bridge collapse. This decision follows discussions between the Revenue Secretary and Major General VT Mathews, as directed by the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister has also directed that police drones and the dog squad be deployed for search and rescue efforts. A special control room has been set up by the district administration at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The public can provide information to the 24-hour control room at phone numbers 9497900402 and 0471 2721566.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. PM Modi also spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed anguish over the situation and spoke to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector.
Doubts Revealed
Kerala -: Kerala is a state in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful backwaters, beaches, and rich culture.
Chief Minister -: A Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. They are responsible for making important decisions and running the state.
Pinarayi Vijayan -: Pinarayi Vijayan is the current Chief Minister of Kerala. He is a leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in Kerala known for its hills, forests, and wildlife. It is a popular tourist destination.
Landslides -: Landslides happen when a large amount of earth, rocks, and debris slide down a slope. They can be very dangerous and cause a lot of damage.
NDRF -: NDRF stands for National Disaster Response Force. It is a special team in India that helps during natural disasters like floods and earthquakes.
Civil Defence -: Civil Defence is a group of volunteers who help during emergencies and disasters. They assist in rescue operations and provide first aid.
Navy -: The Navy is a branch of the military that operates at sea. In India, the Navy also helps during natural disasters and rescue missions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi -: Narendra Modi is the Prime Minister of India. He is the head of the government and makes important decisions for the country.
Financial aid -: Financial aid is money given to help people in need. In this case, it is given to the families affected by the landslides.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi -: Rahul Gandhi is a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Congress party in India. He is a political leader and often speaks on important issues.
