Wayanad (Kerala): Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan over phone, has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad on Tuesday.
"The injured would be given Rs 50,000. Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones, and prayers are with those injured," the PM said in a post on X.
"Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there."
Meanwhile, CM Vijayan has given directions to coordinate the rescue operations in Wayanad promptly.
He announced that the entire government machinery is actively involved in the efforts, with ministers overseeing and coordinating the operations.
A control room has been established to provide immediate relief and rescue assistance following the tragic landslide at Chooralmala, Wayanad.
The Chief Minister also visited the office of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) and reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations at Chooralmala in Wayanad, where several people died following the severe landslide.
A delegation of five ministers has been assigned to Wayanad to address the aftermath of the recent landslide and oversee ongoing relief efforts, the Chief Minister said in a post on X.
Forest Minister A K Saseendran has already reached the affected area to assess the damage and coordinate immediate response measures, he said.
Minister Ramachandran Kadannappalli is expected to arrive shortly to join the efforts on the ground. In addition, the Ministers of Revenue, Public Works, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Departments are travelling by air from Thiruvananthapuram and will be arriving soon, he said.
Opposition leader V D Satheesan said, "Land slide in #Wayanad has been devastating & heart wrenching. Rescue operation are challenging as the area has been secluded from the rest. #UDF extends full support & cooperation to Govt. I have cancelled all my prgm & heading towards the disaster hit area."
