Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha (LS) Rahul Gandhi today urged the central to declare the recent calamity in Kerala's Wayanad a national disaster.
In an address in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi stated, ‘I visited Wayanad with my sister some days back and saw firsthand the devastation, pain, and suffering resulting from this tragedy. More than 200 people are dead, and many are missing, but the eventual casualty count is expected to be over 400’. He also urged the Central Government to implement a comprehensive rehabilitation package for Wayanad, focusing on disaster-resilient infrastructure and community support.
Further, Congress MP praised the efforts of the state governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana for their assistance as well the central forces and the army that helped in the rescue operations. Highlighting the unity shown by communities, Rahul Gandhi said, ‘It is heartening to see all communities coming together to help people, regardless of different ideologies.’ He also said that the landslides had cut off vital roads, exacerbating the crisis.
Wayanad’s Chooralmala and Mundakkai were hit by massive landslides on July 30, claiming over 300 lives and creating widespread property damage.