Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan Reviews Rescue Operations After Wayanad Landslides
Thiruvananthapuram/Wayanad (Kerala), July 31: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a meeting to review the rescue operations in Wayanad district, which was hit by landslides on July 30. The landslides, caused by heavy rainfall, have resulted in 158 deaths, according to the Kerala Revenue Department.
Rescue Efforts and Challenges
The Chief Minister held the meeting at the Disaster Management Authority office in Thiruvananthapuram. He will visit Wayanad on August 1 to attend a state-level all-party meeting. Union Minister George Kurian visited the affected areas and met with survivors at relief camps.
A delegation of nine State ministers is currently in Wayanad assessing the relief camps. Kerala Chief Secretary V Venu mentioned that the National Disaster Management Authority might use ground-penetrating radar mounted on drones for the rescue operations.
Rescue Teams and Equipment
A total of 1200 rescue workers from the Indian Army, DSC Centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy, and IAF are deployed in the affected areas. The rescue teams face challenges due to the flattened hamlet of Mundakkai, where heavy equipment is needed to cut into collapsed houses. The Indian Army is building a Bailey Bridge to facilitate the transfer of heavy equipment.
Navy teams from Ezhimala Naval base and an Army canine unit have joined the efforts to find bodies buried under the debris. The Indian Coast Guard is also actively engaged in rescue and relief operations.
Current Situation and Future Plans
Hundreds of people are still missing, with Mundakkai and Chooralmala being the most affected areas. Chief Minister Vijayan stated that 45 camps have been set up in Wayanad, housing over 3000 people. Kerala Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan emphasized the importance of rescue operations and the need for government support for displaced persons.
A team from the 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) Madras, led by Sub Gijil, Sub Jayesh, and Nb Sub Anilkumar, rescued 19 civilians stranded in Ela Resort and VanaRani resort.
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 managing the state’s affairs.
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 caused by heavy rain, earthquakes, or other natural events.
Rescue operations -: Rescue operations are efforts made by emergency workers to save people who are in danger, such as those trapped in collapsed buildings or affected by natural disasters.
Mundakkai -: Mundakkai is a place in Wayanad district. It is one of the areas affected by the landslides.
All-party meeting -: An all-party meeting is a gathering where leaders from different political parties come together to discuss important issues and find solutions.
Relief camps -: Relief camps are temporary shelters set up to provide food, water, and a place to stay for people who have lost their homes due to disasters.
Union Minister -: A Union Minister is a member of the central government of India. They are responsible for specific departments and help in making national policies.
George Kurian -: George Kurian is a Union Minister in the Indian government. He is involved in assessing the situation in Wayanad after the landslides.
