Extensive search today, 126 still missing in Wayanad landslide

KALPETTA: A search by the people for those missing in the landslide in Wayanad will continue today. The search will focus on six zones including Mundakkai and Chooralmala. Volunteers from the camps have been included in the search. 126 people are still missing. Local people's representatives and volunteers will also participate in the search that began at 8 am. A search will be carried out using the force in the lower parts of the river.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who visited the landslide struck place yesterday, to consider the Wayanad landslide as a national disaster and to allow a special package. Prime Minister Narendra Modi then announced that the central government would provide all assistance to the landslide victims. The announcement was made in the review meeting convened at the Wayanad Collectorate.

‘The central government is with Kerala. Money is no barrier to face the tragedy. The important thing is to stand with the afflicted. Hundreds of people's dreams have been shattered. The safety of their lives is the responsibility of the state,’ Modi said and directed the state government to submit the details of the loss. He assured that he was with them and consoled them. The Prime Minister's words gave them hope on the way to survival.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi and Governor Arif Muhammad Khan were also present. Chief Secretary Dr V Venu and ADGP M R Ajith Kumar also described the picture of the tragedy.

The Prime Minister arrived in Wayanad at 11.47 am from Kannur in an air force helicopter. In an aerial survey, he saw the places shattered by the landslide in Mundakkai and Chooralmala. He landed at Kalpetta SKMJ school ground and was received by Governor, Chief Minister, Suresh Gopi, Ministers K Rajan, O R Kelu, T Siddique MLA and others at 12.15 pm. He then reached the disaster area by car along with the chief minister.

He walked on the Bailey Bridge and watched everything. He said that he wanted to see the Vellarmala school struck by the landslide. The sight pained the Prime Minister. He asked with concern about the children studying there. The army officer showed an old map of the area and a post-disaster map.