Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Wayanad district on Saturday to assess the ongoing relief efforts following the devastating landslide that struck the region on July 30. The landslide, which has claimed over 200 lives, has left several hundred people still missing, plunging the hilly region of Kerala, often referred to as "God's Own Country," into a state of crisis. His visit also coincides with the Kerala government's request for Rs 2,000 crore in aid to support rehabilitation and relief efforts in the disaster-affected region.
On Saturday, PM Modi reached Kannur airport at 11 PM, where he was received by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. From there, he proceeded to Wayanad to conduct an aerial survey of the affected areas. Taking to X, PRO Kerala RajBhavan said, "Hon'ble Governor Shri Arif Mohammed Khan received Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji @PMOIndia @narendramodi on his arrival in Kannur to proceed to landslide affected #Wayanad.@CMOKerala Shi Pinarayi Vijayan was also present."
The Prime Minister's visit is part of a broader effort to coordinate and enhance the effectiveness of the relief operations being carried out by various agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Air Force, Navy, Fire Services, and Civil Defence.
PM Modi In Wayanad
Prime Minister Modi is conducting an aerial survey of the landslide-affected areas in Wayanad.
- At approximately 12:15 PM, he visited the site, where rescue forces briefed him on the ongoing evacuation efforts.
- During his visit, the Prime Minister will also review the rehabilitation work underway.
- PM Modi also visited a relief camp and a hospital and interacted with the victims and survivors of the landslide.
- Following these visits, the Prime Minister will chair a review meeting to receive a detailed briefing on the incident and the ongoing relief operations.
On July 30, due to incessant and heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, a major landslide occurred at Mundakki, Chooralmala, Vellarimala Village in Wayanad district.
PM Modi government took stock of the situation and immediately more than 1200 rescuers of NDRF, Army, Air Force, Navy, Fire services, Civil Defence, among others were deployed for rescue and relief operation at the incident site.
More than 100 ambulances along with doctors and other medical staff were deployed for medical support and treatment.
The Indian Army erected a 190-foot Bailey bridge in Wayanad, which has been crucial in facilitating the movement of heavy machinery and ambulances. Remarkably, construction of this bridge was completed in just 71 hours, significantly enhancing the rescue operations by allowing heavy vehicles and machinery to be mobilised to rescue around 200 people who were stranded due to damage of the bridge.
Till now, a total of 30 persons have been rescued, 520 persons evacuated and 112 dead bodies retrieved by the NDRF rescue teams.
An Inter-Ministerial Central team (IMCT) has been constituted by the Central Government to visit the affected areas of the State. The team visited the affected areas from August 8 to 10.
Earlier, on April 1, 2024, Kerala SDRF account had around Rs 395 crore. The first instalment of Central share of SDRF for the ongoing year of over Rs 145.60 crore was released in advance on July 31.