Kozhikode: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited and evaluated the damage from the landslides that devastated Mundakkai and Chooralmalai. Despite the late hour, he completed the review meeting before leaving Wayanad. The meeting at the Wayanad Collectorate began at 4 PM on Saturday. The Prime Minister assured all necessary support to the flood-affected people of Wayanad.
“I have seen the suffering of the landslide-affected people people in Wayanad and understand their pain. It is crucial to stand by those affected by the disaster. Many dreams have been lost in this calamity. Our priority will be their rehabilitation and other related issues. The state government will provide a detailed memorandum on the disaster, and the central government will ensure all possible assistance,” the Prime Minister stated.
He also reminded that aid was provided immediately upon learning about the disaster and that further assistance would be given as Kerala’s needs arose. “The victims of the disaster are not alone,” he emphasized.
Chief Secretary K. Venu presented a detailed report on the extent of the disaster, including affected areas, damage, loss of life, and waste disposal. The state estimates the loss to be 1200 crores. Kerala highlighted issues such as the rehabilitation of the affected, and construction of buildings including schools, and requested that the disaster be classified as an L3 extreme disaster. After hearing Kerala’s demands, the Prime Minister explained the central government’s approach.
Earlier in the morning, at 11 AM, the Prime Minister arrived at Kannur Airport, where he was received by the Governor and Chief Minister. At 11:20 AM, he traveled to Kalpetta by a special Air Force helicopter.
After conducting aerial surveys of the disaster areas twice, the Prime Minister’s helicopter landed at the SKMJ School ground in Kalpetta. He then reached Chooralmalai by road, where he walked through the landslide area to assess the damage. He visited areas including Vellarmala School and Bailey Bridge, covering approximately 600 meters on foot, and spent around 30 minutes in Chooralmalai.
The Prime Minister also visited a relief camp at St. Joseph’s School in Meppadi, where he interacted with 12 people for about 25 minutes. After inquiring about the health conditions of the disaster victims from health workers, he left the camp. He subsequently visited VIMS Hospital in Meppadi, where he met six patients undergoing treatment due to the disaster, reassuring them and assessing their health conditions with the doctors.
