New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, called on the central government to declare the recent landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district a national disaster during his address on Wednesday. Speaking during Zero Hour, Gandhi emphasised the severity of the calamity, which he witnessed firsthand.
He detailed the extensive damage, noting that in some instances, entire families had been wiped out, leaving only one survivor, whether an adult or a child.
Gandhi, who expressed deep concern over the crisis, highlighted the staggering impact of the landslides, which have resulted in over 200 deaths with many more still missing. He warned that the final casualty count might surpass 400. In addition to urging for the disaster to be officially classified as a national emergency, Gandhi demanded higher compensation for those affected by the tragedy.
He acknowledged the significant efforts of the state governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana, as well as the central forces and the Indian Army, who have played a crucial role in the rescue and relief operations. Gandhi praised the solidarity demonstrated by various communities in response to the disaster, noting how people came together despite differing ideologies.
The landslides have also caused severe infrastructure damage, including the destruction of key roads, which has further complicated the relief efforts. Gandhi called for a comprehensive rehabilitation package, the construction of disaster-resistant infrastructure, and enhanced compensation for the victims to address the immense challenged posed by this catastrophic event.
