By Web Desk
New Delhi: The Center has stated that the Wayanad landslide disaster cannot be declared a national disaster according to the standards set by the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). This position was conveyed by Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, in response to a letter from Kerala Representative K.V. Thomas.
The central government clarified that the primary responsibility for the disaster lies with the state government and that Kerala has sufficient funds in its State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF). The Accountant General confirmed that the SDRF has a balance of ₹394 crores, Rai added.
Meanwhile, the central government informed the High Court that a high-level committee would soon decide on which category the Wayanad disaster falls under. A decision will be made within two weeks, as stated by the Center in the court. This response was given to the court’s query regarding the amicus curiae report, which suggested declaring the Wayanad disaster as an extreme disaster.
