Declare Wayanad landslides as ‘national disaster’: Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha

He commends the work of the Centre and state government

Tribune News Service

Updated At : 01:43 PM Aug 07, 2024 IST

An Indian Air Force helicopter, in joint efforts with the Indian Army, during the seventh day of the rescue operation following landslides that led to massive damage in Wayanad district. PTI Photo

New Delhi, August 7

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, speaking in Zero Hour in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, called for a package for tragedy-hit Wayanad in Kerala and wanted that the Central government should declare the recent landslides as a ‘national disaster’.

Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition, said the package for Wayanad should go in making disaster resistance infrastructure.

The area was hit by landslides after very heavy rain on July 30.

Gandhi said “I saw the devastation, pain and suffering.”

A 2-km area of the hill has collapsed. It was just a river of stones. More than 200 persons are dead and vast numbers missing. The death toll would be in excess of 400 persons.

Gandhi commended the work of the Centre and state government. He mentioned the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, IAF, central agencies and assistance from Karnataka, Telangana and Tamil Nadu. He also thanked the House for support.