Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted an aerial survey of the landslide-affected regions in Wayanad, Kerala today, before proceeding to visit the on-ground disaster sites to review ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. Accompanied by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Prime Minister observed firsthand the extent of the damage in key areas such as Punchirimattam, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala.
The aerial survey began at the Iruvazhinji Puzha River, identified as the origin of the landslides. From this vantage point, PM Modi was able to assess the scale of the devastation and the severe impact on local infrastructure. The Prime Minister’s visit is part of a broader effort to oversee relief and rehabilitation operations in the region.
Following the aerial reconnaissance, PM Modi is scheduled to visit the on-ground locations directly affected by the disaster. His itinerary includes meeting with rescue teams to receive detailed briefings on the ongoing evacuation operations and overseeing the rehabilitation efforts. The Prime Minister is also expected to visit relief camps and hospitals to interact with victims and survivors of the landslide, offering support and reassurance.
PM Modi conducts an aerial survey of the landslide-affected area in Wayanad with CM Pinarayi Vijayan pic.twitter.com/Ee2JgxDtS2
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The landslides, which struck on July 30, have caused widespread destruction across several hillside villages in Wayanad. According to the district administration, the tragedy has claimed 226 lives, with 403 body parts recovered so far. In light of the scale of the disaster, the Kerala State Government has formally requested the central government to classify the incident as a national disaster and severe calamity.
In response to the crisis, the Kerala State Government has mobilised immediate aid for those affected. Financial assistance measures include a daily allowance of Rs. 300 for up to two adult members per family who have lost their livelihood. For families with bedridden or long-term hospitalised members, the allowance extends to three individuals. Additionally, each family residing in relief camps will receive an immediate financial aid of Rs. 10,000 to help with immediate needs.
Amid the chaos, a remarkable story of survival has emerged involving a pet parrot named Kingini. On the night of the landslide, Kingini’s frantic cries and agitated behavior alerted its owner, Vinod, to the impending danger. Vinod, recognising the unusual behavior of his pet, contacted friends and neighbors, urging them to evacuate. Thanks to these timely warnings, several individuals managed to escape before the landslide struck, highlighting a miraculous instance of animal instinct saving lives.
The role of animals in predicting natural disasters has long been a topic of interest. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, various theories suggest that animals may sense changes in the environment that precede such events. Kingini’s behavior has become a poignant example of this phenomenon.
In addition to the immediate response efforts, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has played a crucial role in assessing the damage through its Radar-imaging satellite (RI-Sat). Captured on July 31, the satellite’s high-resolution imagery provided a detailed overview of the disaster’s impact. RI-Sat’s Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, which uses radar signals to map the Earth, allowed for unprecedented insights into the extent of the devastation. The satellite’s data revealed that the landslide originated from a peak at an altitude of 1,550 meters above sea level and flowed down an 8 km stretch, covering approximately 86,000 square meters.
Unlike traditional optical imaging satellites, RI-Sat’s radar technology can penetrate through clouds, vegetation, and soil, offering detailed imagery regardless of weather conditions or time of day. This capability has been instrumental in assessing the scale of the landslide and guiding recovery efforts.
As the rescue and recovery operations continue, the focus remains on providing support to the affected communities, rebuilding infrastructure, and ensuring that those impacted receive the necessary assistance to recover from this devastating disaster.
