PM arrives in Kerala, lands at Kannur Airport, to leave for Wayanad soon

KANNUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Kerala to visit the landslide struck areas of Wayanad. He landed at the Kannur Airport on Air India One flight of the Air Force. Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan along with others received Modi.

Union Minister Suresh Gopi, Governor and the Chief Minister left for Wayanad in three helicopters. Three copters of the Air Force were brought to Kannur for him yesterday. Also, a bullet proof car and safety equipment were brought in a special plane to go by road if necessary. Vehicle for SPG commandos, mobile jammer etc. were also brought earlier.

After the aerial survey, Modi will land at the helipad at SKMJ School Grounds in Kalpetta. Will reach Chooralmala by road at 12.15 pm. He will then visit the landslide hit areas. He will communicate with the soldiers about the rescue operations. He will visit the Bailey Bridge built by the soldiers.

After visiting the relief camp, he will visit Aster Wayanad Medical College in Meppadi where the disaster victims are undergoing treatment. He will attend the high-level meeting convened at the Kalpetta Collectorate. The central team visiting the district has handed over the preliminary report to the Prime Minister. Kerala has demanded a package of Rs 2000 crore.

Kerala is demanding that maximum central assistance should be ensured by placing it under the L3 category similar to a national calamity. The chief minister will hand over the report in this regard to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister will return to Kannur Airport at 3.40 pm by helicopter from Wayanad and will return to Delhi at 3.45 pm. Police have made heavy security arrangements at the airport and on the road. The Prime Minister's visit to Wayanad was welcomed by ministers and opposition leaders.