In an address in the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called on the Central Government to enhance compensation for victims of the devastating landslides in Wayanad. "I visited Wayanad with my sister some days back and witnessed firsthand the pain and suffering resulting from this tragedy. Over 200 people have lost their lives, and many are still missing," Gandhi stated.
Emphasizing the scale of the disaster, Gandhi urged the Central Government to implement a comprehensive rehabilitation package for Wayanad, focusing on disaster-resilient infrastructure and community support. He also called for the Wayanad landslide to be declared a national disaster. Rahul Gandhi said, "This is a huge tragedy. I would urge the Union Govt to support a comprehensive rehabilitation package for Wayanad including building disaster-resilient infrastructure and helping the communities. I would also like to urge the Govt to declare the Wayanad landslide as a national disaster..."
Further, Rahul Gandhi praised the efforts of the Union and State Governments, along with the NDRF, SDRF, Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Fire Department and neighboring states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
Earlier, Senior Congress leader AK Antony echoed Gandhi's sentiments. After contributing Rs. 50,000 to the Chief Minister's relief fund, AK Antony urged the Central Government to extend substantial financial and other forms of support to those affected by the landslide. "This is not a time to quarrel," Antony emphasized, highlighting the need for unity and support.
Meanwhile, Kerala General Education and Labour Minister V. Sivankutty announced that schools in the landslide-hit areas of Wayanad, currently serving as relief camps, will soon resume classes.