Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expresses anguish as landslide in Kerala’s Wayanad claims 4 lives

New Delhi [India], July 30 (ANI): Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed anguish after massive landslides hit Kerala’s Wayanad on Tuesday.

Landslides that occurred near Meppadi area in Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday claimed four lives and several are feared to have been trapped.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said, “I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.”

Gandhi said that he spoke to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured him that rescue operations are underway.

“I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad,” the post mentioned.

He also urged all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations.

According to WIMS Medical College in Wayanad, 48 people are under treatment and four bodies have been received by them so far.

As per the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, landslides occurred in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk, at around 3.49 am on Tuesday.

250 members of the Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, NDRF, and Local Emergency Response Teams are carrying out the rescue operation in Wayanad’s Chooralmala. An additional team of NDRF are en route, the KSDMA said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has given directions to coordinate the rescue operations in Wayanad promptly following the devastating landslide. He announced that the entire government machinery is actively involved in the efforts, with Ministers overseeing and coordinating the operations.

Health Minister Veena George said that in the wake of the Wayanad landslide, the Health Department opened the district-level control room early in the morning. 8086010833 and 9656938689 can be contacted for emergency health services.

She said all hospitals, including Vaithiri, Kalpatta, Meppadi, and Mananthavadi hospitals, are ready. “In the night itself, all the health workers had arrived for service. More teams of health workers will be deployed in Wayanad,” the Health Minister said.

Further details awaited.