 "'Avoid unnecessary travel to Wayanad': Kerala CM as Rahul, Priyanka plan visit after landslides kill 116")
With 116 people killed and several others still trapped following massive landslides in Wayanad district of Kerala on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has warned people to avoid unnecessary travel to the district.
“Please avoid unnecessary travel to Wayanad,” Kerala CM said, adding that at this point importance is for rescue workers.
CM Vijayan’s request comes hours ahead of a likely visit of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to Wayanad on Wednesday morning.
Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal, on Tuesday morning, said: “This is the hour of togetherness, we have to work together so that maximum people’s lives are safe. We are planning to go (to Wayanad). Yes, both (Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) are planning to go.”
Several people are still trapped under mud and debris, and rescue work is underway to bring them out safely. So far, bodies of at least 116 people have been recovered.
On Tuesday morning, multiple landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rains hit the hill district of Wayanad.
‘Many who were sleeping have been swept away’
“The landslide in Wayanad is a heart-wrenching disaster. There was extremely heavy rainfall,” Vijayan said.
“An entire area has been wiped out… There are 128 people receiving treatment for injuries. Many who went to sleep last night have been swept away,” the Kerala CM said.
Impact Shorts
More Shorts“Many people are still trapped under the debris,” Vijayan said.
“We have arranged the best possible treatment for the injured. We have opened 45 relief camps in Wayanad and a total of 118 camps across the state, accommodating 5,531 people. The fire force, NDRF, and police are working together. Various divisions of the Army and Navy are coordinating the rescue operations,” the Kerala CM said.
CM Vijayan briefs about rescue operations in Wayanad
The Kerala Chief Minister said that 321 members of the Fire Force have been deployed in Wayanad. The services of the Army have also been made available.
An NDRF team of 60 members has reached Wayanad, and an 89-member team from Bengaluru is on the way.
“Upon learning of the disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, along with various party leaders, have offered their assistance. They have assured us that we will work together to address this crisis,” he said.
Vijayan said that additional Kaniv 108 ambulances have been brought in.
He further said that 3,069 people are in relief camps in Wayanad alone. “Five ministers are coordinating the efforts. Due to adverse weather conditions, people were relocated, and an orange alert was declared,” Vijayan said.
‘Be prepared’
CM Vijayan further said that a dog squad will be arriving for the rescue operations.
“Authorities’ instructions must be followed precisely. The local administration has been directed to ensure that drinking water, food, and other essentials are provided to those in the camps. The IG of the Northern Range, DIG, and the Additional DG of Law and Order will coordinate the operations. Everyone must avoid situations where people are merely spectators at disaster sites. Control rooms have been established under various government departments. I have instructed that officials in essential services be prepared and on standby due to the heavy rain conditions,” he added.
‘Health workers on leave instructed to report to duty immediately’
Vijayan further informed that steps have been initiated to deliver food and essential supplies. “Two vehicles carrying 20,000 litres of drinking water will arrive at the disaster area,” he said.
“Health workers currently on leave are instructed to return to duty immediately. Nothing can replace the loss of loved ones or possessions, but we must extend our support and lift those affected. In the wake of the landslides in Wayanad, we must come together to aid those suffering,” the chief minister said.
‘Kerala needs more assistance to rebuild the region’
“More assistance is needed to rebuild the region. I urge everyone to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) and provide support. Those who can should make donations,” Vijayan said.
He further informed that Kerala Bank has contributed Rs 50 lakh to CMDRF. “The Chief Minister of Sikkim has pledged Rs 2 crore, and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has promised Rs 5 crore in aid,” Vijayan said.
Two-day state mourning
The chief minister said that in response to the disaster in Wayanad, Kerala has declared two days of official mourning. “Public events and celebrations have been postponed. We request that the national flag be flown at half-mast as part of the mourning period,” he said.
Also Read: Wayanad landslides: What makes Kerala so vulnerable to such disasters?
With inputs from agencies
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