Thiruvananthapuram: A devastating landslide triggered by heavy rains late Monday night in Kerala’s Wayanad district has led to a tragic loss of life and prompted political controversy. The incident has drawn condolences from several national leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured the public that the central government would spare no effort in providing aid and support.
During a parliamentary session, Home Minister Amit Shah claimed that the Kerala government had been forewarned about the potential disaster on July 23. He alleged that the state did not adequately respond to these warnings or alert the arrival of a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team. Shah suggested that if the Kerala government had acted promptly, the damage could have been minimized. “On July 23, a full team of 8 NDRF personnel was sent to Kerala,” Shah stated.
However, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan refuted Shah’s claims, asserting that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had only issued an orange alert for the district prior to the landslide. Vijayan emphasized that this was not the time for a blame game and highlighted the focus on ongoing rescue operations.
Rescue efforts in Wayanad are being carried out by the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, NDRF, and the local administration. According to an ADGPI tweet, more than 1,000 people have been rescued. A control center has been set up in Meppadi to coordinate the efforts. The Southern Command of the Indian Army released videos and photos of the operation, indicating preparations for constructing a 190-foot bridge at Churamala. However, the work on the Bailey Bridge has been halted due to persistent rains.
As per a report by *On Manorama*, the death toll from the landslide has reached 251, with 27 bodies brought to Meppadi Hospital on Wednesday. The tragedy has led to a closure of all educational institutions in Wayanad, with National Cadet Corps (NCC) students assisting in relief efforts.
The situation has caught the attention of Parliament, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressing concern over the recurring nature of such disasters in the area. “This is the second tragedy of this kind in five years. The ecological conditions of this area need to be examined, and appropriate measures should be taken,” Gandhi said in the Lok Sabha.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod districts, with a yellow alert for other parts of the state, including Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad.
Rescue operations resumed on Wednesday morning in Mundakkai village, one of the worst-hit areas. According to PTI, rescuers recovered bodies from debris in positions suggesting the victims were caught unaware in their homes. The scene was described as heartbreaking, as families grappled with the loss of loved ones.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi are scheduled to visit Wayanad on Thursday to meet the families of the victims, underscoring the gravity of the tragedy and the need for immediate relief and long-term solutions.
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