The prime minister did not directly address the state's demands, but assured that the Union Government would stand with the state government.
Published Aug 10, 2024 | 8:29 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 10, 2024 | 9:16 PM
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Chooralmala
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the landslides-hit areas of Wayanad on Saturday, 10 August, for a first-hand assessment of the tragedy that struck the hilly district early on 30 July.
While the prime minister did not directly address the state’s demands to classify the disaster as a national calamity or announce a specific relief and rehabilitation package, he assured that the Union Government would stand with the state government.
Modi also asked the state for a detailed memorandum regarding the disaster, relief, and rehabilitation efforts.
Meanwhile, the government circles saw the prime minister’s visit to Wayanad as a message of unity and support — and not a political gesture.
According to media reports, more than 400 people were killed in the savage series of landslides that hit the Mundakkai-Chooralmala-Attamala areas of Wayanad 12 days ago.
The prime minister initially conducted an aerial survey of the area before interacting with select survivors, including those under treatment. He asserted that there would be no shortage of funds for any project aimed at aiding those affected by the disaster.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan conducting an aerial survey of the disaster-hit areas. (Supplied)
After attending a review meeting at the Wayanad Collectorate, which was attended by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, ministers, people’s representatives, and other higher officials, Modi assured the affected communities that they were not alone in their time of need.
“Our prayers are with those affected by the landslide in Wayanad. We wish to let the affected know that they are not alone,” he said.
Both the Union government and the state government are with them. It’s our social responsibility to ensure that the dreams of those affected are not shattered. The government and the country are with them,” he said.
Earlier, Air India One brought Prime Minister Modi to the Kannur International Airport from Delhi at around 11.10 am. Chief Minister Vijayan, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, and Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi received him.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Chooralmala.
Around 11.17 am, an IAF helicopter took off with the prime minister from the airport to Wayanad. The governor, chief minister, Gopi, and Chief Secretary V Venu accompanied Modi.
The prime minister reached Wayanad around 11.47 am and conducted the aerial survey.
As his helicopter hovered over, the extent of the disaster was laid bare. The once lush green landscapes were marred by large swathes of debris, uprooted trees, and landslips that had obliterated homes and lives.
The aerial survey provided the prime minister with a comprehensive view of the scale of the disaster and the challenges ahead in terms of relief and rehabilitation.
After the aerial survey, Modi landed at the SKMJ School Ground, Kalpetta, around 12.15 pm and headed to Chooralmala.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacting with an injured survivor at WIMS Hospital.
Officials briefed him about the gravity of the disaster, and ongoing rescue and relief operations.
The prime minister was seen listening attentively and asked questions related to the landslide and the damage it had caused. He visited Vellarmala School and the Bailey Bridge, which was constructed by the Army.
He then interacted with nine survivors staying at Meppadi St Joseph School and listened to them.
Modi then visited the WIMS Hospital at Meppadi and met the injured survivors and their bystanders. The doctors briefed the prime minister that they were still recovering from the trauma.
Those who interacted with the prime minister later stated that his presence brought a ray of hope to those grappling with the aftermath of the landslide.
After visiting the hospital, Modi chaired the assessment meeting at the Collectorate.
The state government made a presentation to the prime minister regarding the landslide.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chairing the assessment meeting at Wayanad Collectorate.
At the meeting, the chief minister reiterated the state’s demand to declare the Wayanad landslide as a severe disaster and a national calamity. Vijayan further urged the prime minister to assist the state in carrying out the rehabilitation and extending financial assistance to the affected.
He also sought assistance to counter climate-change-related contingencies.
These demands along with the landslide-related damage assessment were handed over to the prime minister in a document.
The chief minister appraised Modi that the detailed assessment of the loss was in progress and as per preliminary estimates, damage to the tune of thousands of crores has been recorded.
“The state witnessed severe damages due to scorching heat. Then came the rain and the landslides. All these will have to be considered as due to the aftereffects of climate change,” Vijayan said.
“It is high time that in-depth research is held and high-end equipment deployed to counter these challenges in the state,” he added.
The state then put forward a demand for establishing special centers and field units of the Geological Survey of India, the India Meteorological Department, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, and the National Centre for Seismology.
Ministers AK Saseendran, K Rajan, and PA Mohammad Riyas later told the media that the state had made a detailed presentation before the prime minister. They expressed hope of receiving a favourable decision.
The ministers said the immediate priority now was to present the detailed memorandum that the prime minister had demanded.
A central team visited the affected areas on 9 August. It observed that as per available information, the landslide has created a huge impact and requires expert study.
The team was headed by Rajiv Kumar, Joint Secretary, Union Home Department, also Inter-Ministerial Central Team Leader.
District Collector DR Meghasree explained the situation including rescue operations, search operations, relief camps, post-mortem of dead bodies, handover to relatives, cremation, DNA test, and list of dead and missing persons carried out in the district since the day of the disaster.
The state government then told the team that the loss in the residential and plantation areas of Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Punchirimattam areas was huge, and ₹2,000 crore was required for rehabilitation alone.
The central team was also informed that there has been heavy damage to various infrastructures, crops, livestock, houses, buildings, commercial and educational institutions, roads, electricity, etc.
According to a state government official, the prime minister’s visit symbolised the nation’s solidarity with those affected by the disaster. It reiterated the Union government’s commitment to aiding their recovery.
While much remains to be done, the prime minister’s assurances have given the people of Wayanad the hope and strength to rebuild their lives and communities.
(Edited by Majnu Babu)
(South First is now on WhatsApp and Telegram)
