Wayanad landslides: Amit Shah criticises Kerala government for alleged delay in submitting disaster assessment
The Hindu
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expresses concern over Kerala's delay in submitting assessment memo for Wayanad landslides, promises support.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has highlighted the Kerala government’s alleged delay in submitting its assessment memo regarding the Wayanad landslides.
In a response to Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who recently met Mr. Shah in Delhi to seek Central assistance for the landslide-affected residents, the Home Minister noted that the State took about three-and-a-half months to submit the necessary documentation following the incident.
The landslide and subsequent flash floods in Wayanad occurred on July 30, 2024, prompting significant damage and displacement in the region. The State government has since submitted a report estimating recovery and reconstruction costs at ₹2,219 crore.
Mr. Shah assured that the Central government is “committed” to supporting the affected population. He highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the situation. On the night of the disaster, Union Minister of State George Kurian was dispatched to the area to assess the damage.
In a show of solidarity, the Central government deployed four teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and three teams from the Indian Coast Guard, equipped for search and rescue operations. Additionally, 14 columns of the Indian Army, along with helicopters from the Indian Navy and Air Force, were mobilised for relief efforts. The NDRF successfully rescued 30 individuals and evacuated 520 others to safety, noted Mr. Shah.
Despite facing challenging conditions, the Indian Army’s Madras Engineering Group constructed a 190-foot Bailey bridge at Chooralmala to connect Mundakkai village, which was heavily impacted. Following directions from Mr. Shah, the Director General of NDRF was present in the area from August 7 to August 10 to oversee on going rescue operations.
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