The death toll from the catastrophic landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has risen to 148, with hundreds more injured and trapped. The landslides have wrought massive destruction, obliterating homes and roads, uprooting trees, and causing water bodies to overflow. Amidst the wreckage and despair, rescue operations are ongoing, with every available resource being deployed.
Reinforcements include approximately 200 Indian Army personnel from the DSC Centre in Kannur and the 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode, as well as two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH, coordinating aerial rescue efforts.
Swayamsevaks in Wayanad
In these devastating times, the selfless efforts of Swayamsevaks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Sewa Bharti volunteers, have brought some solace. These volunteers have joined the frontlines, aiding the NDRF teams in locating the deceased, organising food camps to provide food and shelter to those who have lost everything, and assisting grieving families with the identification of their loved ones. They are also arranging for the dignified last rites of those who have perished, ensuring that even in death, they are not forgotten.
In the wake of the devastating landslides in Wayanad, hundreds of Swayamsevaks from the surrounding regions have rallied to provide much-needed assistance. These selfless Swayamsevaks are playing a critical role in the ongoing relief efforts, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected.
The volunteers are coordinating the safe transport of injured individuals to hospitals, ensuring they receive timely medical attention. They are also clearing debris from blocked roads, enabling emergency vehicles to reach remote and affected areas more quickly. At the hospitals, these volunteers are arranging food and basic supplies for the injured, ensuring they have the essentials they need during their recovery.
Sewa Bharti in action
Additionally, Sewa Bharati’s mobile mortuary system ‘Chitagni‘ has been made operational at Churalmala to dispose of these dead bodies.
For many economically disadvantaged families in Kerala, traditional cremation practices are a significant challenge. The lack of space and resources makes it nearly impossible for these families to prepare a traditional pyre for cremation at their homes.
Firstly, the custom of preparing a pyre is difficult to uphold for families living on small plots of land, often just two or three cents, with insufficient yard space. Secondly, the close proximity of houses in densely populated areas, such as colonies, and regions prone to flooding during monsoons, further complicates traditional cremation practices.
Sewa Bharati’s mobile cremation system has also been embraced by Christian communities, who sometimes face space constraints in church grounds for conducting religious rites.
Kerala has been relentlessly pounded by heavy rains, with the region experiencing unprecedented rainfall. In the 24 hours before the three catastrophic landslides struck Wayanad district, the state recorded a staggering 372 mm of rainfall. The continuous downpour has not only triggered landslides but also caused widespread flooding and road blockages, significantly hampering relief efforts and making the situation even more challenging for rescue teams.
PM Modi extends help and support
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring the LDF government of full support. He has also directed BJP chief JP Nadda to mobilise party workers to assist in the rescue efforts.
Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation package, providing Rs 2 lakh to the families of those who lost their lives in the calamity and Rs 50,000 to those injured.
Rahul Gandhi, the elected MP is missing
The state of Kerala is currently governed by the Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)). This political climate has been marked by tensions between various political factions, notably between left-wing activists and members of the RSS. There have been numerous reports of left-wing workers being involved in violent confrontations, leading to the tragic killing of several RSS Swayamsevaks over the years.
Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress, serves as the Member of Parliament for Wayanad, a constituency now grappling with the aftermath of devastating landslides. Despite this significant tragedy, Rahul Gandhi has yet to visit the affected areas, a point of contention among his critics and constituents.
On July 30, Gandhi addressed the situation through his official X account, stating, “Priyanka and I were scheduled to visit Wayanad tomorrow to meet with families affected by the landslide and take stock of the situation. However, due to incessant rains and adverse weather conditions, we have been informed by authorities that we will not be able to land. I want to assure the people of Wayanad that we will visit as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide all necessary assistance. Our thoughts are with the people of Wayanad at this difficult time.”
Priyanka and I were scheduled to visit Wayanad tomorrow to meet with families affected by the landslide and take stock of the situation.
However, due to incessant rains and adverse weather conditions we have been informed by authorities that we will not be able to land.
I…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024
Despite the political and environmental turmoil, rescue operations are in full swing. Volunteers from various organisations, including the RSS and Sewa Bharti, have been on the ground, assisting in locating the deceased, providing food and shelter to the displaced, and helping families identify their lost loved ones.
