Kerala Rallies for Wayanad: CPI(M) MLAs, Others Contribute Generously

CPI(M) MLAs in Kerala, along with various political leaders and the public, contribute significantly to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund for Wayanad landslide victims. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed 215 bodies recovered, 206 missing, and over 10,000 people displaced, with rescue operations nearing completion.

In a show of solidarity, MLAs of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Kerala have pledged one month's salary, amounting to Rs 50,000 each, to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) for those affected by the devastating landslides in Wayanad. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan personally contributed Rs 1 lakh, while his wife TK Kamala donated Rs 33,000, according to the Chief Minister's office.

CPI-M state secretary MV Govindan stated that the Kerala unit of the party has contributed Rs 25 lakh to the relief efforts, with additional contributions of Rs 10 lakh each from the party's Tripura and Tamil Nadu units. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala also announced his decision to donate his one month's salary to the CMDRF for the Wayanad relief efforts.

Various political figures, actors, and businesses have heeded the Chief Minister's call for donations, resulting in significant contributions. Campaign drives have mobilized support from diverse sectors to aid the affected communities. Chief Minister Vijayan reported that rescue operations are in their final stages, with 215 bodies recovered to date. Currently, 206 individuals remain missing, and 83 are receiving treatment in hospitals across Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram districts. Over 10,000 residents have been relocated to shelter camps.

Kerala Health Minister Veena George provided an update on the death toll, confirming that 308 people have perished in the massive landslides that struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad on July 30. Among the recovered remains are 215 bodies and 143 body parts, including 98 males, 87 females, and 30 children. Post-mortem examinations have been completed on 212 bodies and 140 body parts, with 148 bodies identified by relatives so far.

According to hospital data, 82 patients are still undergoing treatment in various medical facilities in Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram districts. A total of 504 individuals received medical attention following the disaster, with 205 patients discharged to date. Relief teams commenced search operations with the assistance of dog squads at 7 am today. The Indian Army's relief columns are present at the site, coordinating activities under the supervision of North Kerala IGP. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)