New Delhi/ Wayanad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured all help to Kerala as it is struggling to manage a deadly landslide in Wayanad district last night that left at least 15 killed and several remain trapped, according to reports.
PM Modi talked over phone to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured help, NDTV reported adding that PM Modi also talked to Union Minister Suresh Gopi regarding the mishap.
Taking to platform X, PM Modi said: "Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there."
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Rs 2 lakh as compensation to the families of those killed in the landslide and those injured will get Rs 50,000, according to the report.
The torrential rains overnight has caused landslip in multiple places in the district with the one in Mundakkai occurring at around 1.00 a.m and the second one was reported from Chooralmala around 4.00 a.m.
Unconfirmed reports now say that at least 19 people were killed in the landslide in the district and one of the killed was identified to be a foreigner.
Around 400 families remain isolated in Mundakkai, and many were injured in the disaster, according to reports.
A bridge connecting Chooralmala and Mundakkai got washed away in the rains leaving it hard for rescue teams to reach there.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in a statement said that all agencies will work together in rescue operations in the district with state ministers coordinating them.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and NDRF, the Kannur Defence Security Corps will join the rescue operation, the Chief Minister also added that two Air Force helicopters will depart for Wayanad shortly.
Taking to platform X, Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi said he was ‘deeply anguished’ by the landslide and hoped that ‘those still trapped are brought to safety soon.’
After speaking with Chief Minister and the district collector, Rahul Gandhi said in the post: "I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts.’