Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the landslide-hit areas in Kerala’s Wayanad on August 10, as announced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. During a press conference, the Kerala CM highlighted the state’s request for the central government to declare the disaster a national calamity.
The Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas of Wayanad experienced massive landslides last month due to heavy rain and floods, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life. CM Vijayan reported that post-mortems have been conducted for 420 bodies so far, with search and rescue operations ongoing.
“Officially, 225 deaths have been confirmed. Body parts of 195 individuals have been found in various locations, and DNA samples have been sent for testing. The search is still ongoing. Post-mortems have been conducted on 420 bodies, 178 bodies have been handed over to relatives, and 233 burials have taken place,” he said.
Announcing the prime minister’s visit, the chief minister expressed hope for central assistance in rehabilitation efforts. “The central government has appointed a nine-member committee to submit a report. The committee chairman visited today, and we hope to receive central assistance for rehabilitation,” Pinarayi Vijayan said. “We expect the Prime Minister to understand the situation firsthand and adopt a favorable stance,” he added.
Vijayan also praised the support offered to the state through donations, clothes, and amenities. “We are receiving substantial support for the CMDRF from the South Indian film industry. It is heartening to see the entire state of Kerala coming together to uplift Wayanad,” he said.
A special team of army personnel, SOG officials, and forest officials has been conducting search operations in Sunrise Valley, Soojippara, inside the forest. After a ten-day-long rescue operation that began on July 30, the Indian Army is set to leave Wayanad soon, handing over rescue operations to the NDRF, SDRF, Fire Force, and Kerala police.