Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi welcomed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s decision to designate the Meppadi landslide disaster in Wayanad district as a “Disaster of Severe Nature.” She emphasized that this classification is a critical step toward rehabilitation efforts and called for the swift allocation of necessary funds.
In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi, who is also the Wayanad MP, stated:
“I am glad @AmitShah ji has finally taken the decision to declare the Wayanad tragedy as a ‘Disaster of Severe Nature.’ This will greatly help those in need of rehabilitation and is definitely a step in the right direction. We will all be grateful if adequate funds for the same can also be allocated at the earliest.”
Centre’s Official Communication
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed that the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) has classified the Meppadi landslide disaster as a “Disaster of Severe Nature” due to its intensity and magnitude.
A communication from the Ministry noted:
“Keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of the Meppadi landslide disaster in Wayanad district, it has been considered by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) as a disaster of severe nature for all practical purposes.”
The announcement was shared by the Kerala Congress on its official social media account, highlighting Priyanka Gandhi’s efforts in bringing attention to the issue.
Background on Wayanad Tragedy
On July 30, Wayanad district experienced a catastrophic landslide in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala area, resulting in:
- Over 300 fatalities,
- Extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, and
- Widespread displacement of residents.
The disaster was declared the deadliest landslide in Kerala’s history.
Priyanka Gandhi’s Advocacy for Relief
Priyanka Gandhi and Kerala MPs had earlier met Union Home Minister Amit Shah on December 5, urging immediate relief measures for the affected communities. She highlighted the devastation, stating:
“The people who are affected have lost absolutely everything. If the Centre cannot step up, it sends a very bad message to the entire country and especially to the victims.”
Looking Ahead
Priyanka Gandhi stressed the importance of allocating sufficient funds for rehabilitation efforts and rebuilding infrastructure in the affected areas. The decision by the Centre is expected to pave the way for much-needed relief and recovery operations in Wayanad, ensuring long-term support for the victims.