Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi's Visit To Landslide-Hit Wayanad Put On Hold Amid 'Adverse Weather & Incessant Rains'

Rahul Gandhi assured the people of Wayanad that he would visit "as soon as possible" and would continue to monitor the situation closely in the meantime to provide necessary assistance.

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra were scheduled to visit landslide-hit Wayanad on Wednesday morning. However, the visit has been put on hold due to "adverse weather conditions and incessant rains" in the region, as a result of which they would not be able to land.

Assuring Wayanad's people that they would visit soon, the Congress MP, in a post on X, stated: "Priyanka and I were scheduled to visit Wayanad tomorrow to meet with families affected by the landslide and take stock of the situation. However, due to incessant rains and adverse weather conditions we have been informed by authorities that we will not be able to land." 

"I want to assure the people of Wayanad that we will visit as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide all necessary assistance. Our thoughts are with the people of Wayanad at this difficult time," he added.

Kerala's hilly distrcit, Wayanad, was hit by several landslides on Tuesday, leaving around 123 people dead. These landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall, left a trail of destruction, with water bodies swollen, houses destroyed, and hundreds of people stranded.

The Army, which has been deployed for rescue services in the district, managed to save about 1000 persons, using a temporary bridge as the permanent structure was washed away in the torrential downpour.

Following the landslides, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi condoled the loss of lives in the landslides, urging the United Democratic Front (UDF) workers to provide all the help to those affected in the region.

Rahul Gandhi represented Wayanad in the 17th Lok Sabha.

The LoP had also spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Wayanad district collector to know about the situation in the district. 

Expressing anguish over the loss of lives in the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi had tweeted in the morning, "My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon."

"I have spoken to the Kerala chief minister and the Wayanad district collector who 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," the Congress MP said.

He added: "I will speak to the Union ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad."

Later, Gandhi, while speaking in the Lok Sabha, demanded the Centre to extend all possible support for the rescue and rehabilitation of those affected in the disaster. He also sought an increased compensation to the kin of those who died in the landslides.

After Rahul Gandhi vacated the seat, his sister and senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is slated to contest the bypolls in Wayanad, whenever they take place.