As death toll nears 100 in the horrific landslides in Wayanad district of Kerala, leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi are set to visit the affected areas on Wednesday. Rahul Gandhi is the former MP of the Wayanad constituency.
At least 89 people have been reported dead while hundreds have been injured in a series of landslides that began in the early hours of Tuesday. Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha are some of the areas in Wayanad affected by the landslides so far.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office has informed that in addition to the local police force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, civil defence groups and Indian Army’s engineering team are part of the search and rescue operations.
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“The NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing. The second team is on its way to further strengthen the response operation,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed via X.
“I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts,” Rahul Gandhi said on X.
Rahul Gandhi is the former member of parliament from the Wayanad constituency and had won Lok Sabha elections from both Wayanad and Rae Bareli in the recent general elections. Since he resigned from the Wayanad seat, the constituency is due for by-poll and the Congress party is expected to field Priyanka Gandhi for her parliamentary debut.
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He added that he will request Union Ministers to provide all possible assistance to the anguishing situation in Wayanad.
Meanwhile, Indian Meteorological Department has predicted major rainfall to continue in most parts of Kerala and issued ‘Red Alert’ for 8 of the 14 districts in the state.
Veena George, Kerala’s health minister, has informed that Vythiri, Mananthavadi, Kalpetta and Meppadi hospitals have been equipped for emergency services arising from the disaster. Multiple control rooms have also been opened and emergency medical assistance can be requested by calling 8086010833 and 9656938689.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has directed his government to to release Rs 5 crore for relief efforts in Wayanad. A critical response team that includes doctors, nurses and fire safety team has also been dispatched by the TN government.
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