The actor interacted with the Indian Army officials and locals. He said the scale of destruction was unimaginable.
Published Aug 03, 2024 | 1:45 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 03, 2024 | 1:45 PM
Indian Territorial Army officials brief Mohanlal about the extent of destruction in landslide-hit Wayanad. (X)
Malayalam actor Mohanlal has visited Wayanad, which has been badly hit by the deadly landslides. He appreciated the relentless efforts of the Indian Army in rescuing and rehabilitating those affected by the landslides.
A Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army, Mohanlal reached the Indian Territorial Army camp at Meppadi near Kozhikode on Saturday, 3 August. Here, the Army officials briefed him about the rescue operations.
The actor was conferred the Lieutenant Colonel post in 2009. Indeed, he is a part of the 122 Infantry Battalion, which is heading the search operations in Wayanad. Later, he visited the Mundakkai and Punchiri Mattam regions in Wayanad by road.
The actor interacted with the locals and appreciated the Army for constructing the make-shift Bailey Bridge.
After this, Mohanlal told the media that the scale of destruction in the region was truly unimaginable and could be understood only after visiting it.
“The Wayanad landslides were as big as a national disaster. Many people lost their lives and many lost their family members and relatives. Besides the NDRF, Navy, and police officials, I’m proud that even young people are lending a hand in the ongoing rescue operations,” he added.
The actor revealed that he has been a part of the 122 Infantry Battalion, TA Madras, for 16 years. “Around 40 people from our team are here. The Battalion saved many people. I came here to thank and show my gratitude to the Battalion and all those people who were part of the rescue operations.”
#WATCH | Actor and Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Mohanlal visited landslide-affected Punchiri Mattam village in Wayanad#Kerala pic.twitter.com/ckp2uAhyaE
— ANI (@ANI) August 3, 2024
He stated that he was familiar with the region because of his film shootings and also knew a few people who were affected by the landslide. Further, Mohanlal announced to release ₹3 crore from his NGO Viswasanthi Foundation towards the rehabilitation works in Wayanad. Earlier, he contributed ₹25 lakh to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund and promised to donate more if needed.
Director Major Ravi, who is also part of the Foundation, assured that they will rebuild the Mundakkai High School, which was destroyed by the landslide.
In a social media post, Mohanlal saluted the courage of the selfless volunteers, policemen, Fire & Rescue, NDRF, Army soldiers, government officials, and every person working tirelessly to provide relief to the victims of the Wayanad disaster.
The resilience of the people of #Wayanad is truly inspiring. It’s heartwarming to see the #IndianArmy standing strong with them in these difficult times. #MalabarTerriers#Wayanad https://t.co/5raZsXq7Ud
— Mohanlal (@Mohanlal) August 2, 2024
(Edited by Y Krishna Jyothi)
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