30th July, 2024, Wyanad, Kerala, India.
The South Indian state of Kerala has faced man-made natural disasters due to 65 years of corrupt governments run by the socialist congress and Communists. Deforestation and encroachments promoted by politicians caused severe floods and mudslides in the Western Ghats.
Over 126 bodies have been found, but many remain trapped under debris after landslides hit the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad district this morning. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the first landslide occurred around 2 am, followed by another at 4:30 am, trapping hundreds in the debris. The Kerala government declared a two-day state mourning. Vijayan urged people to unite to rebuild destroyed livelihoods, as they did after the 2018 floods.
Rescue efforts are ongoing. The army has deployed 200 soldiers from the Defence Security Corps and a medical team. Two helicopters from the Air Force Station in Sulur are aiding the efforts. Vijayan said 45 camps have been set up in Wayanad, housing over 3000 people. The Indian army’s Canine Squad, with breeds like Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and German Shepherds, will also join the rescue operations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 200,000 for each deceased person’s family and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences and urged the Union Government to provide support for rescue and medical care and release compensation promptly. He also called for mapping landslide-prone areas and measures to prevent such disasters.