Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday urged the Union government to declare the recent landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad as a national disaster and demanded a comprehensive rehabilitation package.
Mr. Gandhi, speaking during Zero Hour, also demanded higher compensation for the people affected. Pointing out that the landslides had cut off vital roads, that further intensified the crisis, he urged the government to build disaster-resistant infrastructure.
“I saw it with my own eyes. I visited different places where the disaster took place. In some cases, an entire family is gone, with just one person remaining, sometimes an adult or a child,” the Congress leader said, emphasising the need to declare the Wayanad landslides as a national disaster.
“With more than 200 dead and a vast number missing, the eventual casualty count may exceed 400,” Mr. Gandhi added. He also expressed his gratitude to those who helped during the disaster.
The Congress leader commended the work of the governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana for their assistance as well as the Central forces and the Army that helped in the rescue operations.
“It is heartening to see all communities coming together to help people, regardless of different ideologies,” Mr. Gandhi noted.
Published - August 07, 2024 01:16 pm IST
