Rahul Gandhi Calls for Action After Deadly Landslides in Wayanad, Kerala

New Delhi, July 30: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, has called for a comprehensive action plan to address the increasing frequency of natural calamities in ecologically fragile regions. This appeal comes in the wake of devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, which have claimed over 80 lives.

Speaking in Lok Sabha, Gandhi, a former MP of Wayanad, urged the central government to extend all possible support for rescue and relief work. He said, "Early this morning, Wayanad was hit by several devastating landslides, more than 70 people have been killed. Mundakkai village has been cut off and the devastating loss of lives and extensive damage are yet to be assessed due to the scale of the tragedy. I have spoken to the Defence Minister and the Chief Minister of Kerala. I request the Union government to extend all possible support for rescue and medical care."

Gandhi also called for immediate compensation to the families of the deceased and suggested increasing the compensation amount. He emphasized the need to restore vital transport and communication lines, set up relief efforts quickly, and prepare a roadmap for the rehabilitation of affected families. He highlighted the alarming rise in landslides in recent years and the urgent need for mapping landslide-prone areas and implementing mitigation measures.

Over 80 people were killed and many others injured in the landslides that hit the Meppadi area of Wayanad following torrential rains. Members of both Houses of Parliament expressed their concern, with some opposition members demanding that the tragedy be declared a national disaster. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar expressed concern over the loss of lives and stated that both central and state governments are taking necessary steps.

CPI-M MP John Brittas sought assistance from the Defence, Home, and Finance Ministries. An Indian Navy team from the Ezhimala Naval Base in Kannur is being sent to Wayanad to assist in rescue operations at Chooralmala. The Army and Air Force have also been mobilized for rescue operations in the area. A main bridge has collapsed in the town of Chooralmala, and around 200 Indian Army personnel from DSC Centre Kannur and 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode have been dispatched to the site. A team of 30 specialist swimmers from the Indian Navy is being deployed, and two helicopters from Air Force station Sulur have been dispatched.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinrayi Vijayan held discussions with top Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) officials on the situation in the landslide-affected Wayanad areas.