Centre Declares Wayanad Landslides 'Severe Nature Disaster', Priyanka Urges Prompt Allocation Of Funds

On July 30, incessant rainfall triggered a landslide that devastated Chooralmala and Mundakkai regions of Wayanad district.

The announcement comes as the Centre has come under criticism from Kerala government and MPs over delay in providing financial assistance for the affected.

Source : PTI

Five months after landslides hit three villages in Kerala's Wayanad district, the Union government declared the landslides as a disaster of a "severe nature".  The Centre made the announcement on Monday recognising its intensity and impact for all practical purposes, as reported by PTI. 

In a formal communication to Kerala government, the Union Home Ministry clarified that initial financial assistance for such disasters is provided through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Additional support is extended from  National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) after evaluations by an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT).

"However, keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of the Meppadi landslide disaster in Wayanad district, it has been considered by the IMCT as a disaster of severe nature for all practical purposes," the communication said, as per the report.

The announcement comes as the Centre has come under criticism from Kerala government and MPs over delay in providing financial assistance for the affected.

Priyanka Gandhi Welcomes Move

Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "I am glad @AmitShah ji has finally taken the decision to declare the Wayanad tragedy as a “Disaster of Severe Nature”. This will greatly help those in need of rehabilitation and is definitely a step in the right direction. We will all be grateful if adequate funds for the same can also be allocated at the earliest."

I am glad @AmitShah ji has finally taken the decision to declare the Wayanad tragedy as a “Disaster of Severe Nature”. This will greatly help those in need of rehabilitation and is definitely a step in the right direction.

We will all be grateful if adequate funds for the same…

— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) December 30, 2024

 

Wayanad Landslides

On July 30, incessant rainfall triggered a landslide that devastated Chooralmala and Mundakkai regions of Wayanad. The disaster claimed the lives of over 200 people and left many injured. Thousands became homeless marking it as one of Kerala's most devastating natural calamities.

The Centre’s decision to classify the disaster as severe is expected to expedite the release of additional funds and resources to aid rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the affected areas.