On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala to assess the impact of recent landslides in the district of Wayanad. His visit began with an aerial survey of the affected areas, a critical step in understanding the scale of the disaster and coordinating relief efforts.
VIDEO | PM Modi (@narendramodi) undertook an aerial survey in Wayanad before physically visiting the location of the disaster.
In the aerial survey, he saw the origin of the landslide, which is in the origin of Iruvazhinji Puzha (River).
He also observed the worst affected… pic.twitter.com/4pPPfeXUuB— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 10, 2024
Upon landing in Kannur, PM Modi was greeted by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He arrived on Air India One around 11 a.m. and was soon on his way to Wayanad via an Indian Air Force helicopter. Accompanying him were Governor Khan, Chief Minister Vijayan, and Union Minister of State for Tourism and Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi.
Aerial Survey of Affected Areas
During his visit, PM Modi conducted an aerial survey of the landslide-hit regions, including the hamlets of Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Punchirimattom. This aerial inspection, which began at approximately 11:15 a.m. from Kannur Airport, provided a comprehensive view of the devastation.
Following the aerial survey, PM Modi is scheduled to land at the SKMJ Higher Secondary School in Kalpetta. From there, he will travel by road to inspect various landslide-affected areas and engage directly with rescue teams.
Engagement with Victims and Relief Efforts
In Wayanad, PM Modi will visit a relief camp and a hospital. These visits aim to meet and support the victims and survivors of the landslides. During his stay, he will receive updates from rescue teams about the ongoing evacuation operations and will chair a review meeting to discuss the disaster's impact and relief strategies.
The landslides, which struck on July 30, have claimed the lives of at least 226 people, with many still missing. This tragedy is considered one of the most severe natural disasters to have struck Kerala in recent years.
Political Reactions and Support
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, publicly praised PM Modi's visit to Wayanad. On social media platform X, Gandhi expressed gratitude for the Prime Minister's decision to personally assess the situation and expressed hope that the disaster would be declared a national emergency.
He wrote, "Thank you, Modi ji, for visiting Wayanad to personally take stock of the terrible tragedy. This is a good decision. I am confident that once the Prime Minister sees the extent of the devastation firsthand, he will declare it a national disaster."
Gandhi's remarks underscore the importance of high-level intervention and support in the aftermath of such a devastating event. The Indian Army has also played a significant role in rescue operations, including the construction of a 190-foot Bailey bridge to facilitate the movement of heavy machinery and ambulances.
Planned Actions and Aid
The visit of PM Modi aligns with the Kerala government's request for Rs 2,000 crore in aid for rehabilitation and relief efforts. The Prime Minister's upcoming review meeting will be crucial for assessing the disaster's scope and organizing effective relief measures.
PM Modi’s visit to Wayanad is an essential step in addressing the severe impact of the landslides, coordinating relief efforts, and providing support to the affected communities. His actions will be pivotal in shaping the response to one of the most significant natural disasters to affect Kerala in recent history.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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