08 august 2024 : On Wednesday, Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, called upon the Central Government to classify the landslides in Wayanad as a national disaster and to increase the compensation for those affected in the Kerala district.
During the Zero Hour session in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi highlighted the issue of the Wayanad landslides, urging the Centre to implement a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the impacted district and to extend support to the affected communities.
The former Member of Parliament for Wayanad recounted his recent visit to the landslide-stricken areas alongside his sister, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a senior Congress leader. “I witnessed firsthand the destruction, pain, and suffering caused by this disaster. Nearly 2 kilometers of hillside has collapsed, resulting in a torrent of stones and mud,” Gandhi remarked.
He noted that over 200 individuals have lost their lives, with many more still unaccounted for, predicting that the total casualties could exceed 400.
Gandhi praised the efforts of both the Central and Kerala Governments, as well as various departments involved in the relief and rescue operations, and acknowledged the support from neighboring states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. He expressed appreciation for the unity displayed by diverse communities and individuals from various ideologies in their efforts to assist those in need.