Wayanad Landslides: Kerala Oppn Leader VD Satheesan Meets CM To Urge Comprehensive Aid

VD Satheesan highlighted that the state government should map vulnerable areas prone to such calamities and to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks.

Over two weeks after Kerala experienced its worst natural disaster, Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan met with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday to request a comprehensive relief package for the victims of the devastating Wayanad landslide. The disaster, which struck on July 30, has claimed 416 lives and left 128 people missing. Over 11,000 individuals are currently residing in more than 110 relief camps across the state.

Following his meeting with the Chief Minister, Satheesan emphasised the need for a holistic approach to rehabilitation. He conveyed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had promised to build 100 homes for the affected families. Satheesan proposed that instead of merely allocating land and individual homes, the government should consider creating a community-based township. 

He said that the township model would help the victims who lived in close-knit communities to continue their shared lifestyle and provide them with the facilities needed to engage in agricultural activities.

"I have put across the need for a micro-level package for the victims as in some families there are only children while in some there are only aged people and in some cases, the breadwinner has been lost. Hence, each family should be looked into and a micro-level package has to be announced," he said, according to a report on IANS. 

Satheesan also highlighted the importance of addressing the broader issue of climate change, which has led to increasingly frequent natural disasters in Kerala. He urged the state government to map vulnerable areas prone to such calamities and to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks. Satheesan stressed the need for better forecasting systems and coordination between the state and central governments to manage future disasters effectively.

One of Satheesan's key demands was a total loan waiver for the victims. "People took loans to build homes, purchase vehicles, and support agricultural activities. In the wake of this tragedy, they have lost everything, and a complete loan waiver is essential to help them rebuild their lives," he insisted.