“I request the Union Government to extend all possible support…”: Rahul Gandhi Urges Union Government to Intensify Rescue Efforts in Wayanad Landslides

Rahul Gandhi, Former Wayanad MP and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha on Tuesday requested the Union government to extend support for rescue and medical care to victims of the Wayanad landslides. At least 70 people have died and hundreds are feared to be trapped under mud and debris as multiple landslides triggered by heavy monsoon rain hit Kerala’s hill district of Wayanad. Multiple Agencies including the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and Air Force have joined the rescue operations in the hilly areas of Meppadi. “I request the Union Government to extend all possible support for rescue and medical care, immediate release of the compensation to deceased…restore vital transport and communication lines,” said the Congress MP in the Lok Sabha.

"Early this morning, Wayanad was hit by several devastating landslides. More than 70 people have been killed. Mundakkai village has been cut off and the devastating loss of lives and extensive damage is yet to be assessed due to the scale of the tragedy. I have spoken to the Defence Minister and the Chief Minister of Kerala. I request the Union Government to extend all possible support for rescue and medical care, immediate release of the compensation to deceased people - if that compensation can be increased as well - restore vital transport and communication lines, set up relief at the earliest and prepare a roadmap for the rehabilitation of the affected families. Even as I speak, the threats of landslides loom over many areas in Wayanad and the western ghats,” said the former Wayanad MP in Lok Sabha, urging the Union government to expedite the relief machinery in Wayanad.

Expressing severe concerns about the natural calamity, Gandhi said the devastation which unfolded in Waynad was heartbreaking and our country has witnessed an alarming rise in landslides in recent years. According to the Congress member, the need of the hour is a comprehensive action plan to address the growing frequency of natural calamities in our ecologically fragile regions.

Earlier today, taking to the social media platform “X”, Rahul Gandhi informed that he has spoken with the Chief Minister of Kerala and taken stock of the ground situation. “I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad. I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operation,” posted Gandhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he was “distressed” by the landslides that have hit parts of Wayanad. He spoke with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed that NDRF the (National Disaster Response Force), Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, Air Force have joined the rescue operations in the hilly areas of Meppadi, in addition, two helicopters of the Indian Air Force have also been mobilized. State forest minister AK Saseendran said that the situation is serious, and the government has pressed all agencies to assist in rescue operations. A special control room has been set up by the district administration at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The Chief Minister has announced that the state Health Department has opened a control room. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities on helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.​​