New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wayanad today to assess the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts following the landslides in Choorlamala and Mundakkai areas. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi welcomed the Prime Minister’s visit on his X handle and demanded that it be declared a national disaster.
The Prime Minister reached Kannur at around 11 am, after which he conducted an aerial survey of the landslide-affected areas. Prime Minister Modi was accompanied by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Mohammed and Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Tourism Suresh Gopi in the Air Force helicopter.
During the aerial survey, he observed the origin of the landslide, which is at the source of the Iruvazhinji Puzha (river). He also visited the most affected areas including Punchirimattam, Mundakkai and Choorlamalla. The aerial inspection was followed by a visit to the landslide sites at around 12.15 pm. During his visit, Prime Minister Modi was briefed about the evacuation efforts by the rescue forces.
Welcoming the PM’s visit, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on his X handle, “Thank you Modiji for coming to Wayanad to personally assess the terrible tragedy. It is a good decision. I am sure once the PM experiences the magnitude of the destruction first-hand, he will declare it a national disaster.”
226 people have died
At least 226 people were killed and many are missing due to the landslide in Wayanad on July 30. It is considered to be the worst natural disaster in this southern state. According to a report, the Kerala government has requested assistance of Rs 2,000 crore for rehabilitation and relief work in the disaster-hit area.