Wayanad landslides: PM Modi speaks to Kerala CM assures all possible help; announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia to kin of deceased

New Delhi [India], July 30 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre after massive landslides hit Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday as heavy rainfall continued in Kerala.

The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and the injured will be given Rs 50,000, a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office said.

At least four people have been killed and several are feared trapped after massive landslides hit Wayanad.

In a post of X, the Prime Minister said that he was distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad and the

“Distressed the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” PM Modi posted on X.

PM Modi spoke to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all help from the Centre.

The Prime Minister also spoke to Union Minister Suresh Gopi about the prevailing situation, sources said.

The PM also spoke to BJP President JP Nadda and asked him to ensure BJP karyakartas do whatever they can to assist in the relief efforts.

The Prime Minister also spoke to Minister George Kurien about the landslides.

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

According to 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 involved in the rescue operation in Wayanad’s Churalmala. An additional team of NDRF has been directed to reach the spot immediately, the officials said.

Two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17, and an ALH, will also be coordinating the rescue operations, the Chief Minister’s Office said.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured all possible rescue operations to be coordinated in the landslides in Wayanad.

“Since the incident government systems have been working in a unified manner. Ministers will reach Wayanad and lead the activities,” the Kerala Chief Minister said in a statement.

Health Minister Veena George said the Health Department has opened the district-level control room early in the morning. 8086010833 and 9656938689 can be contacted for emergency health services.