Wayanad landslide: PDNA team with comprehensive study in disaster area

MEPPADI: Prof R Pradeep Kumar, PDNA head and director of the Central Building Research Institute said that the PDNA (Post-Disaster Needs Assessments) team is conducting a comprehensive and scientific study of the landslide disaster. This was clarified in a discussion held by the PDNA team to estimate the post-disaster needs with the National State Disaster Management Authority, People's Representatives, District Administration, Heads of various departments etc. Benefits will be made available to all the affected people. Prof R Pradeep Kumar stated that activities will be carried out with short, medium and long-term perspectives.

Forest Minister AK Saseendran demanded comprehensive monitoring of all areas related to the disaster. The actual loss should be assessed without using the old criteria while calculating the damage. Livelihood should be given importance. T Siddique MLA said that damage should be viewed more cautiously. All people affected by the disaster, including those who have gone to work and study in other countries and states, should be considered. District Collector DR Meghashree said that the direct and indirect impacts of the disaster should be assessed.

State Disaster Management Authority Member Secretary Dr. Shekhar Loukos Kuriakos presented the activities carried out since the day of disaster, the extent of the disaster, the losses and the actions taken by the various forces. The activities of the PDNA team will be held till August 31 in various fields. The district also has a team of National Disaster Management Authority to provide guidance and technical assistance.

District Panchayat President Samshad Marakar, Sub-Collector Misal Sagar Bharat, ADM K Devaki, Assistant Collector S Gautam Raj, members of National and State Disaster Management Authority, representatives of Central Building Research Institute, National Institute for Urban Affairs, CDRI and others participated.