Kerala Landslides: National Disaster Declared as Rescue Efforts Intensify

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described Kerala's landslides as a national disaster. With Congress leaders Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi set to visit, robust relief efforts are underway. The Indian Army has evacuated over 1,000 people, and PMO announced compensation for victims. The region observes two days of mourning.

Congress National President and Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, on Wednesday termed the loss of lives in Kerala due to landslides as a 'national disaster.' He emphasized the gravity of the situation in Wayanad, announcing that Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit the affected area. Party workers are actively engaged in rehabilitation efforts.

Kharge added that the issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha, and assurances have been received from Chairman JP Nadda and the Central government that all necessary measures, including relief, medical assistance, and compensation, would be undertaken. 'All of us have taken the situation in Wayanad very seriously. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are going to visit there. Party workers are involved in rehabilitation work. This is an unfortunate incident and it is a national disaster... We raised this issue in Rajya Sabha also. Rajya Sabha chairman and JP Nadda from the government have assured that there will be no stone left unturned in providing relief, medical assistance and compensation,' Kharge stated.

At least two massive landslides struck Wayanad early Tuesday, leading to widespread destruction. The first was in Mundakkai, followed by another in Chooralmala, damaging homes, roads, and trees, and hindering rescue operations. Relief efforts are ongoing. The landslides have isolated several areas and caused grave damage to infrastructure, including the complete burial of Vellarmala GVH School.

The Indian Army has increased its rescue operations in Wayanad, evacuating over 1,000 people from the affected areas to safety. By Wednesday morning, approximately 70 bodies had been recovered. Kerala is observing a two-day mourning period, with the national flag at half-mast at the state assembly.

On Tuesday, Union Minister George Kurian visited Wayanad to oversee the relief operations and interacted with senior officials from the NDRF, CRPF, and Army. He also visited a relief camp in Kalpetta. The Prime Minister's Office has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation for the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

(With inputs from agencies.)