Wayanad landslides: Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Kerala announces first phase of Rs 10 crore rehabilitation project

New Delhi [India], August 18 : Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Kerala has launched the first phase of a comprehensive Rs 10 crore rehabilitation project aimed at the victims of the catastrophic Wayanad landslides.
"Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH) Kerala, under the leadership of President P Mujeeburahman, has launched the first phase of a comprehensive Rs 10 crore Rehabilitation Project aimed at the victims of the catastrophic Wayanad landslides. This initiative, part of JIH's ongoing commitment to relief efforts, is grounded in a professional survey report and addresses the urgent needs of the affected communities," as per a Jamaat-e-Islami Hind press release.
During a press conference held at Hira Centre, the State Headquarters of the organization, Mujeeburahman announced that temporary shelters would be provided for dialysis patients, bedridden individuals, senior citizens, and other vulnerable groups until permanent residential facilities are arranged by the government, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said in the release.
"In addition to housing, the project includes provisions for ensuring education continuity from the primary to higher secondary levels, in collaboration with Wadi Rahma School in Kodiyathoor. The Integrated Education Council of India (IECI) will facilitate higher education for students affected by the disaster, with additional scholarships offered to those studying outside the district. Employment opportunities will also be created to support the financial upliftment of the affected individuals," as per the release.
Mujeeburahman stressed the importance of timely government intervention in coordinating rehabilitation activities and called for proper social auditing of all projects. He also urged the Central Government to allocate an emergency relief fund following the Prime Minister's visit to the affected areas and advocated for scientific studies to relocate residents from disaster-prone zones in Kerala, an ecologically sensitive region, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said in the release.
"The Wayanad landslide, which occurred on July 30, 2024, devastated areas including Chooralmala, Muthanga, and Mundakkai, with Mundakkai suffering the worst destruction. The disaster affected nearly 47.37 km2 of the Meppadi Gram Panchayat, displacing both local residents and migrant workers. The death toll stands at over 400, with many still missing, and the real toll may be closer to 550-600 as bodies remain buried under debris," as per the release.
JIH Kerala, through its Ideal Relief Wing (IRW), was among the first responders, deploying volunteers and providing crucial assistance, including distributing over 500 emergency kits and supplying 50 freezers to preserve bodies during rescue operations. As survivors were relocated to government camps, JIH distributed more than 500 camp kits and provided psychological support through the Ethical Medical Forum and Student Medical Group.
"As the focus shifts to rehabilitation, JIH Kerala has played a pivotal role in relocating survivors, providing ration kits, and securing new accommodations. The psychological impact of the landslide has been profound, with survivors struggling to cope with the trauma. There is an urgent need for mitigation measures, including relocating people from landslide-prone areas, restricting certain land uses, and installing early warning systems based on ground condition monitoring. Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Kerala is committed to standing with the affected communities and supporting them in their journey toward recovery," Jamaat-e-Islami Hind said in the release.
The press meet, held at Hira Centre, the State Headquarters of the organization, was also addressed by State Vice President M.K. Muhammad Ali, Secretary Shihab Pookkottoor, and Relief Cell Convenor Shabeer Koduvally.
Over 300 people lost their lives after massive landslides hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai of Wayanad on July 30 following incessant rainfall.