Congress chief Kharge urges Centre, State Govts to expedite relief, rescue after landslides hit Kerala's Wayanad

New Delhi: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged the central and state governments to expedite relief and rescue operations after landslides in Kerala's Wayanad claimed 24 lives on Tuesday.
In a post on X, the Congress chief said that he was extremely pained by the landslides in Wayanad.
"My deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved. I urge the state and central governments to expedite relief and rescue operations and provide urgent medical help to the victims, in coordination with all the agencies," Kharge said.
"Congress leaders and workers should put in all their efforts to provide every possible assistance to the people. Coordinate with doctors, paramedics and kindly follow up with the agencies to support the victims of the tragedy," he added.
Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi also condoled the deaths in the landslides and said, "I am deeply saddened to see the devastation caused by the massive landslide near Meppadi, Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones. I hope and pray that everyone is brought to safety as soon as possible."
In a post on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, "I urge the government to take immediate action to expedite relief and rescue operations and request UDF workers to step forward to do all they can to be of support and comfort to all those affected by this tragedy."
At least 24 people have died and around 70 people have been injured after massive landslides hit the Meppadi area of Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday. As per the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, landslides occurred in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk, at around 3.49 am on Tuesday.
In the wake of the situation in Wayanad, a special control room has been set up by the district administration at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The public can provide information to the 24-hour control room. The control room functions under the direct control of the state police chief. Phone numbers - 9497900402, 0471 2721566.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured in the landslides.
PM Modi also spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed anguish over the situation and spoke to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector.
"I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad," Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan gave directions to coordinate the rescue operations in Wayanad promptly following the devastating landslide. He announced that the entire government machinery is actively involved in the efforts, with ministers overseeing and coordinating the operations.