Centre should stand with Kerala to recover Wayanad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit was eagerly awaited by those who lost everything in the landslides that devastated the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala and Punchiri Mattam in Wayanad. The state government had prepared a rehabilitation package worth Rs 2000 crore and was expecting a favourable decision from the Centre. However, the Prime Minister did not announce any rehabilitation package for Wayanad in the review meeting held at the District Collectorate after a day-long visit to the disaster area. It is suggested to submit a detailed memorandum containing comprehensive information about the disaster.

The Prime Minister's assurance that the Centre is ready to provide any help to Wayanad and issuing funds is not a concern is a comfort to the disaster victims amid their utter helplessness. It has to be assumed that the Prime Minister, who took his time and checked in person the huge damage caused by the landslides, understood the needs of the people without being told by anyone. The intense grief that the tragedy caused in his mind was evident in his words. Everyone shares the Prime Minister's words that many people's dreams were shattered in a matter of seconds. The Prime Minister was deeply touched by the scenes of Chooralmala and Mundakkai, which were destroyed by the terrible landslides. He spent much of his time in disaster-ravaged areas, holding hands and comforting those who had lost their loved ones. The Prime Minister went to the camps and visited those who narrowly escaped death and also visited the injured in the hospital. By patting the children on the back and giving comforting words, the Prime Minister instilled the belief that the government is with those undergoing treatment. He reminded everyone to try to provide as much psychological support as possible to the victims. The Prime Minister's words fully reflected the depth of the tragedy. Narendra Modi's visit to the camp and hospital turned out to be an unforgettable experience for the victims.

The state government should take steps to submit a detailed memorandum to the Centre as soon as possible as per the instructions of the Prime Minister, to ascertain the damages caused by the landslides. There is no need to be disappointed that the Prime Minister did not announce an aid package in the review meeting at the Collectorate. The Prime Minister must have assured that he would provide all necessary assistance as soon as the state's memorandum is received may be due to the presence of rules and regulations in such disaster situations. A detailed memorandum should be prepared as he stated that money will not be a hindrance. 2000 crores has already been requested from the Centre for rehabilitation. This may not be the actual required amount. An accurate estimate of the damage is yet to be taken, and a calculation needs to be made to assess the loss suffered by each family. Safe places should be found and new housing prepared to enable resettlement. This is a costly arrangement. Many have escaped and reached the camps with only the clothes they were wearing. The property damage is massive.

Efforts have started to shift those who are staying in the camps to their homes. Camps have been decided to be continued in the meantime. There are still 133 people on the missing list. The search is not over. A joint effort of the central and state governments is essential to meet the huge challenge of resettlement. The level of central assistance will be determined based on the accurate preparation of the memorandum as requested by the Prime Minister. This is a very important task.