Rahul Gandhi Visits Wayanad Landslide Victims: Tragic Impact

Rahul Gandhi Visits Wayanad Landslide Victims: A Heartfelt Response to Tragedy

Introduction
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited the landslide-affected Chooralmala area in Wayanad, Kerala, to offer support and assess the situation. This visit followed a series of devastating landslides that have struck the region, resulting in a national tragedy.

Wayanad Landslides: A National Tragedy
The landslides in Wayanad have been termed a national disaster. Rahul Gandhi expressed his profound sorrow over the loss of lives and homes, likening the tragedy to the personal loss he experienced when his father passed away. The landslides have severely impacted villages including Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha.

Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Operations
As of Thursday, the death toll has reached 256. The disaster has also left over 200 people injured. The Indian Army has been actively involved in rescue operations, having rescued around 1,000 individuals. However, 220 people remain unaccounted for as the rescue mission continues into its third day.

A Command and Control Centre has been established in Kozhikode to coordinate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced the deployment of 1,500 Army personnel and forensic surgeons to aid in the ongoing efforts.

Weather and Future Forecasts
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for heavy rainfall in Wayanad and neighboring districts including Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod. Continued rain is expected, which may complicate rescue operations and relief efforts.

International Condolences
The tragedy has garnered international attention, with condolences pouring in from countries such as the US, Russia, China, and Iran. Their expressions of solidarity highlight the global concern for the affected region.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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