Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India]: Tamil Nadu Congress President K Selvaperunthagai stated that the Tamil Nadu Congress is going to provide 1 crore as a relief fund for the Wayanad landslide disaster.
Selvaperunthagai said, “Unfortunately, landslides have occurred in Wayanad. Around 300 people are missing and rescue operations are taking place. The Union Government should send more National Disaster Management Forces. They have to give more money and relief to the people. We have deputed a team for rescue work. On behalf of the Tamil Nadu Congress, we are going to provide 1 crore as a relief fund for the Wayanad landslide disaster.
He further said that the Tamil Nadu Congress MPs and MLAs are planning to give Wayanad a one-month salary as a relief fund.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday urged the Centre to extend all possible help to the people of Wayanad in the aftermath of massive landslides that killed 158 people and injured many others.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a brief discussion on the landslide tragedy, Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of Opposition in the House and a former MP from Wayanad, said the area is ecologically fragile and technology solutions to prevent mishaps should be looked into.
“It is a huge tragedy in Wayanad, and the Military is doing a good job there. I think it’s essential that we support the people of Wayanad and give with as much assistance as possible. I request the government to aid the people of Wayanad during this difficult time,” Gandhi said.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Kerala government could have minimised the losses in Wayanad if they were alert to the Central government’s warning about potential landslides and the risk to people’s lives.
“Early warning was given, that is why on July 23, we sent 9 teams of NDRF and three more were sent yesterday. Had they become alert the day the NDRF teams landed, a lot could have been saved. But this is the time to stand with the government and the people of Kerala. Irrespective of the party politics, the Narendra Modi government will stand with the people of Kerala,” Shah said in the Rajya Sabha.
Search and rescue operations are continuing at landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad.
1200 personnel from the Indian Army, DSC centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy and IAF are deployed in the region.