Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Wayamad - the worst affected areas in the landslides - will witness a 'people's search' on Friday, 9 August.
Published Aug 08, 2024 | 8:29 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 08, 2024 | 8:29 PM
Search and rescue operations are in full swing in Wayanad.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reiterated on Thursday, 8 August that the devastating landslides in Wayanad will have to be declared by the Union government as a national calamity as well as a very severe disaster.
The CM also confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed a nine-member committee to examine the severity of the disaster and submit a report in this regard.
“The committee’s team leader, Rajiv Kumar, joint secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, visited me at the office today. What we need is a comprehensive rehabilitation package,” said the CM to the media.
According to him, there has been a generally positive response from the Union government and considering the seriousness of the disaster, it is expected that assistance from the Centre will be able to help the affected families, rehabilitation and other activities including the township.
The CM added, “The PM is expected to visit the affected sites on Saturday and is expected to take a favourable stand in this regard.”
He also informed the media that a detailed letter in this regard was written to the Prime Minister the other day, which also thanked the Union government for all the support and assistance provided by it during the time of the crisis.
Meanwhile, Mundakkai and Chooralmala in Wayamad, the worst affected areas in the landslides that struck the district on 30 July, will witness a ‘people’s search’ on Friday, 9 August.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan made an announcement in this regard who added that the search for missing people will be carried out with the help of survivors living in relief camps, relatives’ houses and other places.
“Those who are interested in participating in the search will be transported in vehicles to the places where the houses existed. They will be sent to the disaster-hit areas along with security personnel and other search teams. The search will be carried out by dividing the affected areas into six zones,” said the CM.
The CM further added that though the search has already been carried out in these areas using all possible means, it is intended to be a last-ditch effort to see if anyone can be traced using the information received from relatives.
(Edited by Neena with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
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