By Our WebDesk
Kozhikode: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the affected areas in the region that was devastated overnight. After assessing the damage and witnessing the devastation in Mundakkayam and Chooralmala, he arrived at the relief camp where the disaster-stricken people were staying. The Prime Minister visited the relief camp at St. Joseph’s School, Meppadi. He offered solace after recognizing the dire conditions faced by the displaced individuals. Meanwhile, the previously scheduled timelines were disrupted. The Prime Minister, aware that the pain of helpless people was above all other concerns, inquired in detail from everyone he met at the camp. After explaining the extent of the disaster to the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister also provided a written report. An extensive damage assessment is ongoing, with initial estimates suggesting losses in the thousands of crores of rupees. The Chief Minister stated that a detailed report regarding the disaster will be submitted to the central government later.
Global warming and climate change have significantly impacted the state. The unforeseen natural disasters, including severe heat during this year’s summer, are reflections of these changes. The sudden, extreme landslides are a consequence of climate change. Kerala needs adequate measures to address such unexpected natural calamities resulting from climate change.
In this context, the Chief Minister requested the Prime Minister to establish special centers and state-of-the-art regional offices of research institutions such as the Geological Survey of India, India Meteorological Department, National Seismic Center, and Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services in the state. Modern systems for climate monitoring need to be implemented.
Expressing gratitude for the Prime Minister’s visit to Wayanad, the Chief Minister requested that the central government’s relevant departments cooperate with the state government in assessing the extent of the disaster. Adequate financial support is necessary for rapid reconstruction and for the state’s long-term efforts to mitigate climate change.
Given the scale and impact of the disaster, the Chief Minister also urged that the landslide in Wayanad be declared an extreme and national disaster as soon as possible.**
