Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Visit Wayanad After Deadly Landslides
The India Meteorological Department has issued an orange alert in Wayanad, Kerala, until Saturday due to ongoing heavy rains. The district has already been severely affected by landslides, resulting in over 200 deaths.
Weather Alerts and Rescue Efforts
IMD Kerala director Neetha K Gopal stated that while there will be rain, there will also be clear spells to aid rescue operations. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed four teams in Wayanad, with Director General Piyush Anand highlighting the challenges faced, including a washed-away bridge.
Political Leaders’ Visit
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the landslide site at Chooralmala, Wayanad. Rahul Gandhi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy and emphasized the need for support rather than political discussions. Priyanka Gandhi shared stories of survivors and praised the collective efforts of people from across the country.
Community Support and Relief Efforts
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s appeal for contributions to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund has garnered significant support. A campaign led by MLA VK Prashanth in Thiruvananthapuram aims to mobilize contributions from residents and businesses. Internationally renowned sand artist Sudarsan Patnaik created a sand sculpture at Puri beach in Odisha to pay tribute to the victims.
Ongoing Challenges
DMK MP Tiruchi N Siva and Congress MP Jebi Mather emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between the central and state governments. NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi confirmed over 200 deaths, with bodies still being recovered. The landslides in Mundakkai and Churalmala on July 30 caused extensive destruction and injuries, as reported by the Kerala Revenue Department.
Doubts Revealed
Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi -: Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi are brother and sister, and they are important leaders in the Indian National Congress, a major political party in India.
Wayanad -: Wayanad is a district in the state of Kerala, which is in the southern part of India. It is known for its beautiful hills and forests.
India Meteorological Department -: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is a government agency that studies the weather and gives warnings about things like heavy rain, storms, and other weather conditions.
orange alert -: An orange alert is a warning given by the IMD to let people know that there is a high chance of very bad weather, like heavy rain, which can cause problems like floods or landslides.
landslides -: Landslides happen when a lot of earth, rocks, and mud slide down a hill or mountain. They can be very dangerous and can destroy homes and roads.
National Disaster Response Force -: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is a special team in India that helps people during big emergencies like floods, earthquakes, and landslides.
Indian Army -: The Indian Army is the part of India’s military that fights on land. They also help people during natural disasters and emergencies.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan -: Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Minister of Kerala, which means he is the head of the government in the state of Kerala.
Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund -: The Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund is a special fund where people can donate money to help those affected by disasters like floods and landslides.
