Thiruvananthapuram: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi termed the massive landslides that hit Wayanad a national disaster, during his visit to the area along with party leader Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday.
The leaders assessed the rescue operations underway at Chooralmala, one of the worst-hit areas. They later visited a hospital and community health centre in Meppadi town and met people undergoing treatment and also the kin of those who lost their lives in the disaster.
Rahul Gandhi later noted on Facebook, "Witnessing these scenes of tragedy deeply pains my heart. In these difficult times, Priyanka and I stand with the people of Wayanad. We are closely monitoring the relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that all necessary assistance is provided. The UDF is committed to extending all possible support. The repeated incidents of landslides and natural calamities are extremely concerning. A comprehensive action plan is urgently needed."
Priyanka Gandhi said she met a child in the camp who tried to save his family. He held on for six hours trying to save them but eventually lost his mother. There are people whose entire families have been wiped out, she said.
“We are here to provide as much comfort and support as we can. It's heartening to see everyone coming together from Wayanad and Kerala, and the entire country helping the disaster-affected people,” Priyanka Gandhi said.
“In times like these, we all do everything we can to support those suffering. There has been a similar big tragedy in Himachal. Our heart goes out to people who have been affected in the hill state,” she said.
Priyanka Gandhi said they are going to assess the situation in Wayanad on Friday. “We will sit tomorrow and plan what can be done for people, especially for the children who are left on their own. Everyone has been affected; they don't want to go back to the same area. So, I think they have to be rehabilitated in a safer area,” the Congress leader said.
