Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wayanad in Kerala on Saturday, following a devastating landslide last week that claimed over 300 lives and damaged numerous homes. During his visit, Modi walked through the affected areas with Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Union Minister Suresh Gopi, assessing the damage and reviewing evacuation efforts.
#WATCH | Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducts an aerial survey of the landslide-affected area in Wayanad
CM Pinarayi Vijayan is accompanying him
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/RFfYpmK7MJ
— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024
Modi also conducted an aerial survey via an Indian Air Force helicopter over the worst-hit hamlets, including Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Punchirimattam. Upon arrival from Kannur airport, the Prime Minister trekked through Chooralmala to witness the extent of the destruction firsthand. Later, he visited a relief camp to interact with survivors and victims of the landslide.
#WATCH | Kerala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with CM Pinarayi Vijayan visit the hospital to meet and interact with the victims and survivors of the landslide in Wayanad.
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/U9Ca06D725
— ANI (@ANI) August 10, 2024
In the wake of the disaster, the Opposition urged the central government to declare the Wayanad landslides a “national disaster” and called for a comprehensive rehabilitation package. However, government sources reiterated that there is no provision for such a declaration, citing a 2013 statement from then-Minister of State for Home Affairs Mullappally Ramachandran.
The demand for declaring a disaster of “rare severity” or “severe nature” aims to secure additional national-level support and assistance from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
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