August 10th 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew over the disaster-hit areas of Kerala's Wayanad on Saturday to get a first-hand look at the devastation caused by the recent landslides. He was accompanied by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Union Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas Suresh Gopi as they surveyed the affected areas from an Indian Air Force helicopter.
One of the hardest hit regions, Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Punchirimattom villages, were among the areas viewed by the Prime Minister during the aerial survey. He also saw the Iruvazhinji Puzha River, where the landslides originated. After the aerial survey, PM Modi planned to conduct an on-ground inspection of the affected areas and examine the ongoing relief efforts.
In preparation for the Prime Minister's visit, the Kerala government had requested Rs 2,000 crore in financial aid for the rehabilitation and relief work. Wayanad's newly elected Member of Parliament, Rahul Gandhi, also expressed his appreciation for PM Modi's visit, stating that he was confident the Prime Minister would declare it a national disaster after seeing the extent of the destruction first-hand.
The disastrous landslides occurred on July 30, causing the death of over 200 people and displacing thousands. The Kerala government and Congress leaders have urged the Centre to declare it a national disaster, which would allow for additional funds to be released for relief and rehabilitation efforts. PM Modi's inspection of the affected areas and meetings with victims and their families, as well as rescue teams, will provide crucial insight into the ongoing evacuation operations and the need for further assistance.
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