Karnataka CM Announces Compensation for Wayanad Landslide Victims

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah offers condolences and Rs 5 lakh compensation to families of Kannadigas who died in Kerala's Wayanad landslide. Rescue efforts continue as the death toll rises to 164. Relief teams have been deployed from the Southern Naval Command.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences on Wednesday for the lives lost in the landslide in Kerala's Wayanad district and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each for the deceased Kannadigas. The landslide, which struck Meppadi's hilly areas on Tuesday after incessant rainfall, has claimed 164 lives, according to the Kerala Chief Minister.

In a post on his official social media handle, Siddaramaiah remarked, 'The death toll in Kerala's Wayanad landslide continues to rise. This is a tragic incident, and the loss of Kannadigas adds to the grief.' He added, 'The deceased Kannadigas will receive a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each. I pray for the souls of the departed to rest in peace.' He also mentioned that Karnataka has dispatched two senior IAS officers, NDRF, and army teams for rescue operations, with Minister Santosh Lad heading to Wayanad to oversee the efforts.

Meanwhile, the Southern Naval Command has sent a disaster relief team of 68 personnel from INS Zamorin at Ezhimala to the affected areas. The team, equipped with medical staff and necessary equipment, reached the site by 10 pm on the same day. Additional teams are on standby, with a Search and Rescue helicopter from Kochi already deployed. The regional meteorological department has issued warnings for heavy rainfall, particularly for Wayanad and other districts.

State authorities are compiling a list of those affected by the landslide. Kerala Revenue and Housing Minister K Rajan stated that the list would be available by the evening, based on ration cards and plantation muster rolls. He assured that rehabilitation measures are underway, and camps will continue to support the affected individuals.

(With inputs from agencies.)