Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi visited the landslide-hit area of Chooralmala in Wayanad, Kerala. They were accompanied by KC Venugopal, Congress general secretary. The visit took place in the aftermath of two massive landslides that struck Mundakkai and Chooralmala on July 30, causing significant destruction, loss of lives, and injuries to hundreds.
The Kerala Revenue Department reported extensive damage from the landslides. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting attended by leaders of all political parties, state ministers, and other officials.
He emphasised that the main priority is the rescue of the missing persons, followed by rehabilitation efforts. The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Army personnel, noting that most trapped individuals have been rescued.
CM Vijayan highlighted that bringing machinery down to the rescue sites was challenging, but building a bridge eased the efforts. He said that rescue operations will continue in the river to search for missing people and that the next focus will be on rehabilitation.
Rescued individuals have been temporarily shifted to camps, and rehabilitation works will be initiated as soon as possible. CM Vijayan also requested the media to respect the privacy of the individuals in the camps by not shooting inside.
NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi reported that over 200 deaths had been declared, and bodies were being recovered following the landslides in Wayanad. He assured that there are sufficient teams of central forces at the affected site to conduct rescue operations.
The Indian Army has intensified its rescue efforts, successfully evacuating many people from the affected areas to safety. Troops from the Army’s Madras Sappers constructed an improvised 100-foot bridge overnight, further aiding rescue operations and assisting in the quick evacuation of stranded individuals.
The visit by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi brings attention to the severity of the disaster and the ongoing efforts to address the aftermath. Their presence underscores the commitment of the Congress leadership to support the affected individuals and work towards their recovery. The support from the Indian Army and other rescue teams highlights the collaborative effort in tackling this natural disaster.
The focus now remains on continuing rescue operations, providing immediate relief to those affected, and initiating rehabilitation efforts to restore normalcy in the region.
The landslides have brought to light the vulnerabilities of the region and the need for effective disaster management strategies. The high-level meeting chaired by CM Vijayan reflects the proactive approach of the Kerala government in addressing the crisis.
The emphasis on rescue operations and the subsequent focus on rehabilitation demonstrate a comprehensive plan to manage the disaster and mitigate its impact on the affected communities.
The construction of the improvised bridge by the Indian Army’s Madras Sappers is a testament to the ingenuity and dedication of the rescue teams. This crucial infrastructure development has significantly enhanced the efficiency of the rescue operations, allowing for the swift evacuation of stranded individuals.
The continued efforts of the Army and other rescue teams will be vital in ensuring that all affected individuals are safely rescued and provided with the necessary support.
The commitment to respecting the privacy of the individuals in the camps, as requested by CM Vijayan, highlights the importance of maintaining dignity and sensitivity towards those affected by the disaster.
The media's cooperation in this regard will be essential in ensuring that the privacy and well-being of the affected individuals are protected during this challenging time.
The tragic events in Wayanad serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and resilience. The ongoing rescue and rehabilitation efforts are a testament to the strength and solidarity of the community and the commitment of the authorities to support those in need.
As the region works towards recovery, the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders will be crucial in rebuilding and restoring hope for the affected individuals and communities.
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