Kerala Seeks Rs 2,000 Crore Aid for Wayanad Landslide Rehabilitation

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the landslide-hit Wayanad, Kerala's cabinet sub-committee met with a central team and sought Rs 2,000 crore for relief. The disaster has caused extensive damage, affecting homes, agriculture, and leading to significant human loss. Relief efforts and rehabilitation plans are underway.

A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to the landslide-hit Wayanad, the Kerala government's cabinet sub-committee convened with a central team, seeking Rs 2,000 crore for rehabilitation and relief in the disaster-affected region.

The central team, led by Rajeev Kumar of the Ministry of Home Affairs, surveyed the devastation and met survivors. The team emphasized the need for a detailed study due to the extensive impact.

Discussions covered rescue operations, relief camps, autopsies, DNA sample collection, and addressing the missing persons. The state's disaster authority, represented by Dr. Sekhar L Kuriakose, attributed the landslide to multiple factors, detailing the substantial losses in both residential and agricultural zones.

The Kerala government highlighted that the rehabilitation would require Rs 2,000 crore, addressing damage to agriculture, livestock, homes, infrastructure, and private properties. Drone footage showcased the extensive destruction.

Minister P A Muhammad Riyas announced that survivors in relief camps would be relocated to 125 identified houses, including government quarters. Arrangements for necessary furnishings and appliances are underway. The clean-up operations are expected to last 90 days, and relief camps will operate as needed.

Financial assistance for survivors has been assured, and the state is urging the central team to intervene against financial institutions demanding loan repayments from affected families.

The disaster, which struck on July 30, has claimed 226 lives so far, with 197 body parts recovered and 133 people still missing. Currently, 78 individuals are hospitalized. Ongoing relief efforts include 23 camps sheltering 2,243 people from 744 families.

(With inputs from agencies.)