Wayanad Landslides: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday called on the corporate sector to provide substantial support for the relief and rehabilitation of individuals affected by the devastating landslides in Wayanad district, Kerala.
In his appeal to corporate leaders, Siddaramaiah emphasised the critical need for their assistance in rebuilding the disaster-stricken areas through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
"The scale of the disaster necessitates a coordinated and generous response from all sectors of society, particularly from corporate entities that have always been pillars of support in times of need," the Chief Minister stated in his letter.
Siddaramaiah highlighted that Karnataka is specifically seeking financial contributions to support the logistics of relief operations, the provision of non-perishable food items, and clothing for those impacted. He stressed that this is a crucial moment for solidarity and making a significant impact, according to a report on PTI.
"The involvement and contributions of corporates will not only provide immediate relief but also aid in the long-term rehabilitation of the affected regions," he added.
To coordinate these efforts, the Karnataka government has established a dedicated task force to ensure that all contributions are utilized effectively and transparently. For those interested in making donations, the Director of Karnataka State Disaster Management Authority, K B Shivakumar, can be contacted at 9482575918, as per the report .
The landslides, which struck northern Kerala's Wayanad district a day ago, have resulted in the deaths of approximately 132 people, with over 200 injured. The numbers are expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Over 180 people remain missing, and more than 300 houses have been completely destroyed in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas.
Rescue teams, including the Army, Navy, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are working tirelessly to find survivors, unearth debris, and break into the remains of houses engulfed by mudslides.