Thiruvananthapuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the disaster-affected areas of Wayanad in Kerala on Saturday to personally assess the damage and loss of life caused by the catastrophic landslides on July 30, which resulted in over 300 fatalities and left around 100 individuals unaccounted for.While the Prime Minister stopped short of announcing any disaster relief package after the visit, he asked Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to send a detailed memorandum regarding the state’s demands. He assured that the Centre would help the state liberally for the rehabilitation of the affected people.Mr Modi, who spent two and a half hours more than the scheduled time for the visit, returned to Delhi from Kannur International Airport. The state government had earlier estimated that a Rs 2000 crore package would be required for the relief and rehabilitation work in Wayanad district. Besides, it has also demanded that the disaster be classified under the L3 category – similar to the declaration of national disaster.Earlier in the morning, on his arrival at Kannur International Airport, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Mohammad Khan, and Union Minister Suresh Gopi. He then conducted an aerial survey of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Attaamala, which are among the areas most impacted. While aboard the defense helicopter, a senior official provided a briefing on the scale of the disaster during the flight over these regions.After the helicopter touched down at the helipad set up at SKMJ School district headquarters Kalpetta, Modi went to Chooralmala to personally inspect the areas that were completely devastated by the landslides. He walked through the areas devastated by the landslide for almost 500 metres. Chief Secretary V Venu and ADGP M R Ajith Kumar explained to him the trail of destruction caused on July 30.The prime minister attentively listened to each word the officials uttered while closely inspecting the area. He closely examined the Vellarmala school which was destroyed in the landslide and inquired about the future of the students.Subsequently, he traversed the Bailey Bridge constructed by the army on foot and met with NDRF, army, fire force, and police officers who had participated in the rescue operations. On the day of the incident, flash floods triggered by a landslide had swept away the original bridge, isolating the area. The army erected the Bailey Bridge within 24 hours, aiding the rescue teams in transporting earthmovers, vehicles, and ambulances to the areas most affected for rescue operations.Mr Modi met NDRF, SDRF, army, fire force and police officials who carried out the area’s massive rescue and relief operation. The governor, chief minister and union minister Suresh Gopi accompanied the prime minister.At the review meeting held at the Collectorate, the chief secretary and collector made video presentations on the devastation caused by the humungous disaster and the comprehensive relief and rehabilitation programme for the affected people.The chief minister also spoke about the short-term and long-term assistance required from the Centre for the rehabilitation. At the end of the meeting, prime minister spoke briefly about his visit. Modi recalls the horrific Morbi Dam tragedyI have witnessed a similar colossal tragedy up close. In 1979, the Morbi earthen dam in Gujarat failed after heavy rainfall, submerging the entire town of Morbi under ten to thirteen feet of water. The disaster claimed the lives of more than 2,500 people. At that time, I served as a volunteer and spent six months in the affected areas. I fully understand what it’s like to be trapped in mud and slush. I can empathize with what the families who were engulfed in slush and debris after the landslide must have endured. Despite being caught in such a massive disaster, many people have survived. I believe it’s a divine miracle that they are alive today. I can deeply relate to their pain and grievances. The country and the union government will spare no effort to assist those affected. As soon as we receive details about housing, road infrastructure, future plans for orphaned children, and overall rehabilitation proposals, I assure you that we will provide all necessary assistance. I was profoundly distressed and emotionally overwhelmed when I first learned of the tragedy. I chose not to visit the affected areas immediately after the event to avoid disrupting the priority rescue and relief operations. Now that I have arrived and conducted a thorough inspection of the area, I assure you once more that we will strive to meet all the demands presented to us.
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