Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed anguish over the loss of lives in landslides that hit Kerala's Wayanad, killing 108 people on Tuesday.
"Distressed the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured," said PM Modi in a post on X. Modi also said that he spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and rescue operations are currently underway.
The Prime Minister's Office announced an ex gratia of Rupees 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased. Those injured in the landslide will get financial assistance of Rs 50,000 from the PMNRF.
Lok Sabha LoP and former Wayanad MP, Rahul Gandhi also offered condolences to the bereaved families and hoped safe rescue of those trapped. The Congress leader spoke to the Kerala CM and Wayanad District Collector, he said in an X post, adding that they have "assured me that rescue operations are underway."
"I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts," he added.
The Congress Raebareli MP said he will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all possible assistance. He also urged the United Democratic Front workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations.
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Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan has given directions to coordinate the rescue operations, his office said in a social media post. He announced that the entire government machinery is actively involved in the efforts, with Ministers overseeing and coordinating the operations, the Chief Minister's Office said.
A medical officer at the Wayanad Institute of Medical Sciences (WIMS) said that 48 people are undergoing treatment at its medical college and four dead bodies have been brought so far.