In the wake of devastating landslides in Wayanad that claimed over 160 lives, BJP leader V Muraleedharan has criticized the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government for what he termed as its ‘casual approach’ to disaster management. This criticism followed Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament that the state had been warned about the potential calamity as early as July 23 due to heavy rains.
Speaking to ANI, Muraleedharan highlighted that Shah had underscored the Modi government’s support for Kerala, stating, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government stands with the people of Kerala like a rock.” Shah also mentioned that the Kerala government could have mitigated the disaster’s impact if it had acted promptly when National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) battalions arrived.
Muraleedharan pointed out that multiple agencies had previously warned about the possibility of landslides in Wayanad. In 2020, the Kerala Disaster Management Authority advised relocating 4,000 families due to impending danger. He emphasized that Mundakkai, one of the affected villages, was identified as landslide-prone in the district disaster management plan, yet the state government did not take preventive measures.
Furthermore, Muraleedharan criticized the presence of over 300 illegal construction projects in the ecologically sensitive area, accusing the state government of inaction.
The disaster has led to a political war of words, with Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan refuting Amit Shah’s claim that the state had been adequately warned. Vijayan argued that the India Meteorological Department (IMD) had only issued an orange alert, while Wayanad experienced rainfall far exceeding predictions.
Rescue operations are ongoing after two massive landslides struck Wayanad, causing extensive destruction in Mundakkai and Chooralmala. The landslides damaged houses, roads, and uprooted trees, complicating rescue efforts. Relief operations have been intensified, with financial aid being mobilized for the affected region.
According to the Kerala Revenue Department, the landslides have resulted in 167 confirmed deaths. The Department of Information and Public Relations (PRD) Control Room in Wayanad reported that 96 victims have been identified, including 77 men, 67 women, and 22 children. Post-mortem examinations have been conducted on 166 bodies and 49 body parts, with 75 bodies handed over to relatives. Rescue personnel have hospitalized 219 individuals, with 78 still receiving treatment and 142 moved to relief camps.
Amid the rising death toll, the Indian Army has intensified its rescue efforts. The Ministry of Defence stated, “The Army has set up a ‘Command and Control Centre’ headed by Major General VT Mathew, General Officer Commanding, Karnataka and Kerala Sub Area, along with Brigadier Arjun Segan, at Kozhikode for coordinating HADR efforts.”
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