‘Wayanad landslide should be declared national disaster'; comprehensive rehabilitation package and compensation should be given, says Rahul

NEW DELHI: Opposition leader in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi requested the Centre to declare Wayanad landslide as a national disaster. Rahul Gandhi made this request during his speech in Parliament. He requested for a comprehensive rehabilitation package and compensation for Wayanad.

‘A major tragedy has struck Wayanad. The ruling party is not allowing us to talk or make statements about it. The Wayanad landslide should be declared a national disaster. A comprehensive rehabilitation package and compensation should be provided to the people hit by the tragedy. I visited Wayanad a few days ago. I saw the pain and suffering of the people affected by the disaster. 224 people have lost their lives. Hundreds of people sustained injuries,’ said Rahul Gandhi.

Meantime, a search is being conducted in Mundakkai under the leadership of various departmental heads. A helicopter carried the mission team to search the rugged area of Sunrise Valley in Chaliyar. A team consisting of six Army personnel, four members of the Police Special Action Group and two Forest Department watchers were brought in the helicopter twice and they landed with the help of ropes and baskets. The special team that descended below Soochipara waterfall had inspected a distance of four kilometres the other day. It is reported that the search will be conducted up to six kilometres today.