PM Modi Visits Wayanad After Landslide Disaster

Wayanad, Kerala – Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Wayanad on Saturday to assess the aftermath of a devastating landslide that occurred on July 30, claiming over 226 lives and leaving many homeless. The Prime Minister's visit aims to evaluate ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts while engaging directly with survivors affected by the tragedy. Prior to his ground visit, Modi conducted an aerial survey of the region, observing the landslide's origin near the Iruvazhinji Puzha River and the severely impacted areas of Punchirimattam, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala. Accompanying Modi during the aerial survey were Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, and Union Minister Suresh Gopi. The Prime Minister is expected to visit relief camps and hospitals to meet with victims and understand their needs firsthand. His presence underscores the government's commitment to addressing the crisis and supporting those affected. Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi expressed gratitude for Modi's visit, calling it a "good decision" to personally assess the tragedy. Gandhi has been vocal in his demand for the landslide to be declared a 'natural disaster,' believing that firsthand observation by the Prime Minister would lead to such a declaration. However, government sources indicated that there is no provision to classify a natural disaster as a national disaster, responding to Gandhi's request. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on providing immediate assistance to the victims and evaluating the long-term implications of the disaster on the region.