Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Wayanad in Kerala on Thursday, August 1, where landslides have claimed the lives of at least 291 people. The visit came amidst the devastating aftermath of the natural disaster, with over 200 people still missing.
Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal, braved the rain and muddy terrain to reach Chooralmala, a site heavily impacted by the landslides. They interacted with grieving families, offering condolences and support during this difficult time.
The landslides, triggered by torrential rains, have ravaged Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha hamlets, displacing thousands. The scale of the devastation is immense, with an estimated 80,000 square meters of land having slipped.
Speaking to the media, Rahul Gandhi expressed his profound sadness, stating, “It is a terrible tragedy for Wayanad, for Kerala and the nation. We have come here to see the situation. It is painful to see how many people have lost family members and their houses. We will try to help and make sure that the survivors get what is their due. A lot of them want to be relocated. There is a lot that needs to be done here. I would like to thank all those including doctors, nurses, administration and volunteers….I feel how I felt when my father died.”
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra echoed her brother’s sentiments, stating, “We have spent a whole day meeting people who have suffered. It’s an immense tragedy. We can only imagine the kind of pain the people are suffering. We are here to give as much comfort and support.”
Meanwhile, IMD Kerala director Neetha K Gopal issued an orange alert for four northern districts of Kerala, including Wayanad, citing continued rainfall and strong winds. She warned, “The wind speed will be very high over the mountainous regions, which can cause a bit of difficulty in the rescue operations.”
The Congress party, through its social media channels, emphasized their commitment to aiding the relief and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of the landslide. They also expressed concern over the recurrent natural calamities, advocating for a comprehensive action plan to address the underlying issues.
