In the wake of the devastating landslides that have struck the Wayanad district, the absence of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, has drawn considerable attention and criticism. Wayanad, a constituency where Gandhi was elected as Member of Parliament, has been severely affected by the natural disaster, which has resulted in significant loss of life, property damage, and widespread disruption.
Despite this significant tragedy, Rahul Gandhi is yet to visit the affected areas. This absence has led to questions about his commitment and responsiveness to the needs of his constituents during such a critical time.
Meanwhile, on July 30, Union Minister George Kurian reached Wayanad to assess ongoing relief operations. There, he interacted with senior NDRF, CRPF, and Army officials. At 11 pm, he also visited a relief camp at Kalpetta.
“Reached Wayanad hit by a massive landslide and took stock of relief ops. Interacted with senior officials of NDRF, CRPF and Army officials. Visited a relief camp at Kalpetta at 11 pm,” Kurian wrote in a post on X.
Reached Wayanad hit by massive landslide and took stock of relief ops. Interacted with senior officials of NDRF, CRPF and Army officials. Visited a relief camp at Kalpetta @11 pm. pic.twitter.com/8uNEDHNR1x
— George Kurian (@GeorgekurianBjp) July 30, 2024
“The situation is being monitored by the Union Government at the highest level. The Honourable Prime Minister is monitoring the situation and has deputed me to visit the affected areas. Both control rooms of the Ministry of Home Affairs are monitoring the situation 24×7 and providing all possible assistance to the state,” he said in a press release on July 31.
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.”
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.
The death toll in the Wayanad landslide tragedy climbed to 143 on July 31, with several injured and trapped, according to the State Health Department. After a landslide broke out yesterday, relief and rescue operations are underway in Wayanad’s Chooralmala.
The massive landslide wreaked havoc in the region, damaging houses and roads, uprooting trees, and swelling water bodies, hindering rescue operations.
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 July 31 morning, the bodies of around 70 victims have been recovered.
Swayamsevaks and Sewa Bharti volunteers lead Wayanad relief efforts
Sewa Bharti has activated its mobile mortuary system, ‘Chitagni,’ at Chooralmala to manage the large number of deceased from the landslide. This mobile unit is crucial for handling the bodies in the aftermath of the tragedy. For many poor families in Kerala, traditional cremation is very difficult. They often don’t have enough space or resources to build a pyre at home. Those living on tiny plots of land, just two or three cents in size, find it hard to manage the space needed for cremation. Dense populations and areas that flood during the monsoon season make this process even harder.
Sewa Bharti’s mobile cremation system has also been welcomed by Christian communities, who often face space constraints in church grounds for conducting religious rites.
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.
During these tragic times, the dedicated efforts of Swayamsevaks from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Sewa Bharti volunteers have provided much-needed relief. These volunteers have taken on critical roles, working alongside NDRF teams to locate the deceased, set up food camps, offer shelter to those who have lost everything, and help families identify their loved ones. They also ensure that the deceased receive dignified last rites so that no one is forgotten, even in death.
Following the devastating landslides in Wayanad, hundreds of Swayamsevaks from nearby areas have mobilised to assist in the relief efforts. Their selfless work is crucial in supporting the affected communities, as they tirelessly strive to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted by the disaster.
PM Modi announces compensation
Hours after the landslides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for those killed and Rs 50,000 each for those injured.
In a post of X, the Prime Minister said that he was distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. “My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers are with those injured,” PM Modi said in another post.
PM Modi said he spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured him of all possible help from the Centre in light of the prevailing situation there. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected, he added.
