On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to the Chooralmala area in Wayanad district, Kerala, following a catastrophic landslide that resulted in the deaths of over 400 individuals and numerous injuries. The Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the affected region before visiting relief camps and a hospital where survivors are being treated.
Aerial Survey and On-Ground Inspection
PM Modi described the disaster as “not normal” and assured that the Central government would provide comprehensive support for rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts. He stated, “I have been taking information about the landslide since the time I got to know about the incident. All the agencies of the Central government who could have helped in the disaster were mobilised immediately. This disaster is not normal. The dreams of thousands of families have been shattered. I have seen the situation on the spot. I met the victims at relief camps who faced this disaster. I also met the injured patients in the hospital.”
Accompanied by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Muhammed Khan, and Union Minister Suresh Gopi, PM Modi was briefed on the disaster’s scale. The landslide, which struck early on July 30, resulted in extensive destruction in the area surrounding the Vellarmala Government Vocational Higher Secondary School.
Inspection of the Devastation
During his visit, PM Modi trekked through the Chooralmala region and inspected the ruined Vellarmala school. He also crossed the 190-foot-long Bailey bridge, constructed by the army post-disaster, and interacted with Army personnel stationed in the area.
Later, PM Modi spent nearly half an hour at a relief camp located in a school in Meppadi, where he engaged with survivors. Among them were two children who had tragically lost their entire families. The survivors recounted their harrowing experiences, with many breaking into tears during the interaction, while the Prime Minister offered his condolences and support.
The visit also included a stop at a private hospital in Meppadi, where PM Modi met with injured survivors who were receiving medical treatment.
Government Response and Future Plans
Before his ground inspection, the Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey that included viewing the landslide’s origin and the worst-affected areas of Punchirimattam, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala. Following the inspection, he held a review meeting at the Wayanad collectorate to assess the situation and coordinate relief efforts.
The series of three back-to-back landslides on July 30 had devastating consequences, burying homes and establishments and resulting in numerous fatalities. The state government is seeking for the central government to classify the landslide as a Level 3 disaster under the National Disaster Management Plan. Such a classification would facilitate additional central assistance for rebuilding and rehabilitating the affected area and its residents.