Following the devastating landslide in Wayanad that has already claimed the lives of nearly 65 people, the Kerala government on Tuesday declared state mourning for two days.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state government is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that claimed numerous lives and resulted in the widespread destruction of homes and other property.
An official notification issued by Chief Secretary V Venu has declared official mourning on July 30 and 31.
Also read: Wayanad landslide: People search for loved ones amid chaos
As per protocol, the National Flag will be kept half-mast and all public functions and celebrations will be cancelled.
Cutting across parties lines, leaders extend help to victims
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed anguish over the loss of lives in landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district and assured Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of all possible help from the Centre to deal with the crisis.
The prime minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.
Eight people, including three children, died in the landslides that hit Kerala’s hilly Wayanad district on Tuesday, according to officials.
In a post on X, Modi said, “Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” he said.
In a similar vein, Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and took stock of the situation in Wayanad that has been hit by a series of landslides.
Shah also assured Vijayan of all possible help from the central government to deal with the situation.
“The home minister spoke to Kerala chief minister and took stock of the situation in Wayanad. The home minister also assured the chief minister all possible help from the central government,” an official said.
Expressing grief over the loss of lives in landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Karnataka is committed to providing all possible help to the neighbouring state.
“Deeply saddened by the catastrophic floods in Wayanad. My heart goes out to the affected families. Karnataka is committed to providing all possible help to Kerala in this challenging time. Let’s stand united and strong,” Siddaramaiah said in a post on X.
CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Tuesday expressed grief over the loss of lives in landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district and urged the Centre to provide all assistance to the state.
As rescue teams recover bodies and body parts from the rivers and the mud, it is difficult to ascertain the exact number of people killed in the tragedy, a source said. The official toll currently is 57.
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