Wayanad landslides: The Minister says survivors and other relatives will be taken to the scene of the incident to identify where their homes were wiped out by rockslide at Chooralmala, Mundakkai and Punchirimattam on July 30 in Meppadi panchayat.
According to Kerala’s revenue minister K. Rajan, the rehabilitation of Wayanad landslide survivors is expected to become a model for countries globally. “Rehabilitation is not only about finding land and houses; it encompasses all aspects of life from breastfeeding children to older persons’ health. The government will ensure that this happens,” he said.
Mr. Rajan, who spoke with journalists in Chooralmala close to Meppadi in Wayanad around August 6 morning, also mentioned that those living near disaster areas but are now scared would also be helped.
“The phones belonging to survivors without mobiles shall provide them with new ones carrying their old numbers shortly after this happens. As soon as they regain their phone links it will facilitate search operations for missing persons and aid in the process of rehabilitation,” urged the Minister.
Mr. Rajan commented that meticulous efforts were being made towards rehabilitating the victims. Survivors and other relatives will be brought to the disaster site to identify the location of the houses wiped away by landslides on July 30 at Chooralmala, Mundakkai and Punchirimattam in Meppadi panchayat.
Missing persons can be identified using ration cards as a major document. Anganwadi as well as ASHA workers will also be used for finalizing missing person’s list.Houses destroyed will be determined by Local Self-Government department.
Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) estimates that there were 302 houses which went off the map due to this catastrophe however according government press release on Monday number was 352 houses have been wiped out and 122 others are damaged. Official figures recorded 226 dead people and 180 whose whereabouts are still unknown. But unofficial sources say the death toll has crossed 400.
The search goes on
Meanwhile, bodies of missing persons are still being sought in various parts of Wayanad and Malappuram. The Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire & Rescue Services personnel from Kerala and Tamil Nadu also took part in the operation.
Forests Minister A.K. Saseendran joined Mr. Rajan at the scene. “Once a new bridge is constructed across the river at Chooralmala, it will be possible to remove this Bailey bridge that was built by the Army,” they said.
