Union Minister George Kurien assesses rescue operations after Wayanad landslides
Jul 31, 2024
Wayanad (Kerala) [India], July 31 : In the wake of the devastating landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district, Union Minister George Kurien visited the affected area on Wednesday to assess the ongoing rescue operations.
Kurien took stock of the rescue operation underway and also met the victims at the relief camps.
The first landslide occurred at 2 am on July 30, followed by another at 4:10 am, causing immense damage to homes and livelihoods. Many areas, including Meppadi, Mundakkai and Chooralmala, have been isolated, and roads have been washed away. The Vellarmala GVH School was completely buried.
A day before, Kurien had said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is monitoring the situation, adding that the state government and central government are working together.
"Since early morning itself, the PM was active, he was monitoring everything. He was taking stock of the situation and directed the Force, NDRF, to reach there for immediate rescue actions. They have already moved from Kerala and outside Kerala, all forces have been alerted," Kurien told ANI.
Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Wednesday said, "We will ensure that lighting is provided from the area where the JCB is stationed to the control room in Chooralmala as needed. Electricity has been restored in Kalpetta town and other hospitals. We have ensured a stable power supply in the hospitals treating the injured. The KSEB has reported a loss of Rs 3 crore in the Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas alone".
Vijayan further said, "Some people are spreading false information. This false propaganda should be seen as an isolated incident. Some may take a negative stance on certain matters. We should not let this negativity overshadow the positive and healthy situations. Kerala will move forward united, focusing on healthy and constructive conditions."
He stated that the "cabinet meeting has raised the demand for this to be declared a national disaster."
"The relief fund is meant to be spent on those who are suffering. There will be no misappropriation of these funds," he said.
