PM Modi in Wayanad: Landslide Disaster Review

PM Modi’s Visit to Wayanad: Assessing the Landslide’s Devastation

On July 30, 2024, a catastrophic landslide struck the Chooralmala area in Wayanad district, Kerala, leading to the death of over 400 people and leaving many others injured. In response to this unprecedented disaster, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the affected region to assess the damage, interact with survivors, and review the ongoing relief efforts.

Aerial Survey and Ground Inspection

Prime Minister Modi’s visit began with an aerial survey of the disaster zone, which included Punchirimattam, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala. The aerial view highlighted the scale of the devastation caused by the landslide. Following this, PM Modi, accompanied by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Muhammed Khan, and Union Minister Suresh Gopi, conducted a ground inspection of the affected areas.

The Prime Minister inspected the ruins of Vellarmala Government Vocational Higher Secondary School, which had been reduced to rubble. He walked across the 190-foot-long Bailey bridge, constructed by the army to facilitate rescue operations, and interacted with the Army personnel involved in the relief efforts.

Visit to Relief Camps and Hospitals

PM Modi also visited a relief camp set up in a school in Meppadi, where he spent nearly 30 minutes interacting with survivors. Among those he met were two children who had lost their entire families in the landslide. The emotional encounters left a significant impact on the Prime Minister, who offered words of consolation and support.

Following his visit to the relief camp, PM Modi proceeded to a private hospital in Meppadi to meet with injured survivors undergoing treatment. His visit underscored the government’s commitment to providing necessary medical aid and support to the victims.

Government Response and Future Plans

During his visit, PM Modi emphasized that the landslide was an extraordinary disaster, declaring, “This disaster is not normal.” He assured that all central government agencies had been mobilized to assist in the relief and rebuilding efforts. The state government is seeking a Level 3 classification under the National Disaster Management Plan, which would unlock additional central resources for rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Review Meeting

In addition to his field visits, PM Modi held a review meeting at the Wayanad collectorate to discuss the ongoing relief operations and future recovery plans. The meeting aimed to coordinate efforts between central and state agencies to ensure an effective response to the disaster.

Conclusion

The landslide in Wayanad represents a severe natural disaster with extensive impacts on the local community. PM Modi’s visit highlighted the gravity of the situation and reinforced the government’s commitment to aiding recovery and rebuilding efforts in the affected region. The focus now shifts to providing comprehensive support to the survivors and restoring normalcy in the devastated areas.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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