THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Shashi Tharoor MP has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah demanding that the landslide in Wayanad should be declared as a calamity of severe nature as per MPLADS guidelines. In his letter addressed to the Union Home Minister, Tharoor stated that declaring the calamity in Wayanad as a calamity of severe nature in terms of Paragraph 8.1 of the MPLADS guidelines would allow the MPs to recommend works up to Rs 1 crore from their MPLADS funds for the affected areas.

'The landslides have wreaked upon countless lives and as such, it is of grave importance to extend all possible support to the people of Wayanad. Such is the scale of the disaster that it necessitates a coordinated and generous response from all sections of the society,' the letter read.

"In light of this catastrophe, I am writing to you to declare this event a "Calamity of Severe Nature" in terms of Paragraph 8.1 of the MPLADS Guidelines which would allow Members of Parliaments to recommend works up to Rs 1 crore from their MPLADS funds, for the affected districts/ areas. The willing MPs would then be able to generously contribute funds for relief and rehabilitation works in the affected areas. This will surely be invaluable in supporting the painstaking efforts for rescue, relief and rehabilitation,' Tharoor added.