NEW DELHI: Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha has called for a special package for his constituency. Speaking during the budget session on Wednesday, August 7, Gandhi highlighted the severe impact of the landslide, emphasizing the devastation, pain, and suffering experienced by the people.
“Almost 2 km of the hill has collapsed. A river of mud has come down, resulting in more than 200 deaths and a vast number of missing persons,” he stated. He commended the efforts of central and state agencies, along with assistance from neighbouring states in the ongoing rescue operations. “It is heartening to see all communities, from different ideologies, coming together to help,” Gandhi remarked.
ALSO READ: Wayanad tragedy should be declared as National tragedy: Rahul Gandhi
Despite these efforts, Gandhi emphasized the significant challenges faced by rescue teams in reaching the affected areas, “Landslides have cut vital roads and made it nearly impossible for rescue teams to reach the far reaches. This is a huge tragedy located in one specific area. I urge the Union government to support a comprehensive rehabilitation package and help the affected communities.”
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Gandhi reiterated the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation package for Wayanad and stressed the importance of officially recognizing the landslides as a national disaster. “This recognition is crucial for mobilizing the necessary resources and support for the affected communities,” he added.
While speaking on the Wayanad landslide, the Leader of the Opposition also urged an enhancement of the compensation package for the survivors or the families of the deceased in the Lok Sabha. “I would also urge the Union government to enhance the compensation that people are receiving, and I would also like to urge the government to declare the event a national disaster.”
According to the latest reports, the death toll in the landslide-hit Wayanad remains at 224, while the total number of incomplete body parts found so far has risen to 189.
Officials have stated that only through DNA examinations and identification of remains can the overall fatality figure be determined. A total of 152 people are still reported missing. The landslides that hit Wayanad on July 30 were among the most disastrous monsoon events since 2018.