Amid ongoing tensions between the Centre and Kerala, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has expressed deep concern over the devastating landslides in Wayanad. “If the Home Minister is saying warnings were issued, I have no reason to doubt it, as the death toll from the calamity surpassed 200.
Devastation in Wayanad:
Unreached Areas and Rising Death Toll
The true extent of the landslide damage in Kerala’s Wayanad remains unknown, with rescue teams yet to reach the first settlement hit by the disaster. Governor Khan reported that most recovered bodies are from a village devastated by the Chaliyar river changing its course due to the landslides. “We have not been able to reach the first village affected by the landslide,” he said, highlighting the difficulties faced by rescue teams.
Challenges in Rescue Efforts
A significant obstacle in the rescue operations is the destruction of a bridge leading to the initial disaster site. The Army’s engineering unit is working to construct a Bailey bridge, expected to be completed within hours. “It is not possible to properly assess the scale of damage till the bridge is built,” the Governor emphasized.
Not a Remote Village: The Affected Area’s Significance
Governor Khan clarified that the first village struck by the landslide is not remote but part of a town area and a 100-year-old settlement. This underscores the scale and unexpected nature of the disaster.
Political Blame Game Over Landslide Warnings
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the Centre had issued landslide alerts to Kerala days before the calamity has sparked political controversy. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan refuted Shah’s remarks, stating that the warning came hours after the tragedy. Governor Khan refrained from commenting on this dispute but maintained trust in the Home Minister’s statement about the warnings.
Ongoing Rescue and Relief Operations
Governor Khan assured that rescue and relief efforts are in full swing, with camps set up for those affected. “Everybody is being taken there, including those living on the banks of the newly altered river course,” he said. The Governor praised the tireless work of doctors from both government and private hospitals and lauded the efforts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel involved in the rescue operations.
In conclusion, the landslides in Wayanad have caused immense devastation, with rescue teams still struggling to reach the most affected areas. Amidst political blame games over warning alerts, the focus remains on the ongoing rescue and relief efforts to help those impacted by this tragedy.
