Wayanad Landslide: Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi Visit Site Amidst Intense Rescue Operations

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, along with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited the landslide site at Churalmala in Wayanad, where a devastating landslide occurred on July 30. The Gandhis met with affected families and assessed the extent of the damage. So far, the natural calamities of floods, rains, and landslides have resulted in 167 deaths, with over 300 people still missing. More than 8,000 individuals have been relocated to relief camps.

Kerala's Health Minister Veena George informed news agency PTI that as of 7 a.m., a total of 256 post-mortems had been conducted, including parts of bodies. Thus, the count is not of complete bodies but also includes body parts. She stated that 154 bodies have been handed over to the district administration. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, with the army actively participating in the efforts.

Mundakkai and Churalmala have been identified as the most severely affected areas, suffering extensive damage. A 190-foot-long 'Bailey Bridge' has been constructed to reconnect the two regions. Mundakkai town, which previously had approximately 450 to 500 houses, has been entirely wiped off the map of Wayanad, leaving nothing but mud and stones in its wake.

The issue of the Wayanad landslide was also raised in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized the importance of standing resolutely with the people of Wayanad during this crisis. He assured that the Modi government is committed to providing all necessary support for relief, rescue, and rehabilitation. Shah announced plans to introduce a disaster management bill in the current session of Parliament. He reiterated the government's pledge to not leave the people of Kerala alone in their time of need.

This visit by the Gandhis aims to highlight the severity of the disaster and to urge immediate and comprehensive action for the affected regions.