"An unfortunate incident": Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge on Wayanad landslides

New Delhi [India], July 31 : Congress National President and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge on Wednesday described the loss of lives in Kerala due to landslides as an "unfortunate incident" and a "national disaster".
He assured that the situation in Wayanad is being taken very seriously, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit the affected area. Party workers are actively engaged in rehabilitation efforts.
Kharge also mentioned that the issue was raised in Rajya Sabha, and Chairman JP Nadda, along with the Central government, has assured that all necessary measures will be taken to provide relief, medical assistance, and compensation, leaving "no stone unturned".
"All of us have taken the situation in Wayanad very seriously. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are going to visit there. Party workers are involved in rehabilitation work. This is an unfortunate incident and it is a national disaster... We raised this issue in Rajya Sabha also. Rajya Sabha chairman and JP Nadda from the government have assured that there will be no stone would be left unturned in providing relief, medical assistance and compensation," Kharge said.
At least two massive landslides struck Wayanad on Tuesday morning, causing widespread destruction. The first occurred in Mundakkai, a town, and the second in Chooralmala. The massive landslides wreaked havoc in the region, damaging houses and roads, uprooting trees, and swelling water bodies, which hindered rescue operations. Relief and rescue efforts are currently underway.
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.
The Indian Army has ramped up its rescue operations in Kerala's Wayanad following devastating landslides, successfully evacuating more than 1,000 people from affected areas to safety. As of Wednesday morning, the bodies of around 70 victims have been recovered.
The massive landslides wreaked havoc in the region as houses and roads were damaged, trees uprooted, and water bodies swelled, hindering rescue operations. Kerala is observing two days of mourning till Wednesday.
The national flag was flown at half mast at the state assembly.
On Tuesday, Union Minister George Kurian reached Wayanad to take stock of ongoing relief operations, where he interacted with senior officials of the NDRF, CRPF, and Army officials. He also visited a relief camp at Kalpetta.
The Prime Minister's Office has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.