The relentless search for bodies continued yesterday in Wayanad's Mundakkai, Chooralmala and Punchiri Mattam villages, still reeling from the recent natural disaster. With a few more bodies recovered, the death toll from the landslide nears 300, with over 220 people still unaccounted for. Army personnel are vigorously conducting search operations, aiming to conclude by Thursday. Rescue workers face the herculean task of sifting through vast debris fields of stones, destroyed homes and thick mud to find any remaining survivors.
For two days, rescue operations in Mundakkai and Punchiri Mattam were hampered by the inaccessibility of earthmoving equipment. However, the completion of a Bailey bridge by the army at Chooralmala has now enabled the delivery of essential machinery, expediting the rescue mission. The sight of 1,200 tireless rescue workers striving under extreme conditions is inspiring, embodying a rare unity between the armed forces and local residents.
While immediate rescue efforts focus on locating and assisting victims, the broader challenge of rehabilitation looms. Precise documentation of the damage to homes and properties, accurate casualty counts and identification of the missing are critical. Families in landslide-prone areas must be relocated to safer settlements. The emotional toll is profound; many children have lost parents, and numerous families are mourning their loved ones.
An all-party meeting led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan pledged full support for relief and rehabilitation efforts. Prominent figures like Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi visited the affected areas, offering solace. Yet, beyond political gestures, substantial and swift action is needed to rebuild lives and communities.
The government faces the pressing task of developing a transparent, efficient rehabilitation plan. Kerala has a history of community solidarity in times of crisis but the scale of this disaster necessitates a coordinated response involving local and national resources. The involvement of permanent residents is crucial for providing accurate information and facilitating rescue operations.
The political controversy sparked by Union Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on disaster warnings is unhelpful. The focus must remain on aid and empathy rather than blame. Chief Minister Vijayan rightly emphasized the need to prioritize support over criticism and highlighted the challenges in interpreting meteorological warnings.
In conclusion, while immediate rescue operations are vital, long-term rehabilitation efforts are equally crucial. The government must act swiftly to devise and implement a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy. This is a defining moment for Kerala; the mission will be complete only when we can alleviate the suffering of those affected and help them rebuild their lives.