Months after devastating landslides struck three villages in Kerala’s Wayanad district, the Union government has officially categorized the disaster as one of “severe nature.” This announcement, made on Monday, marks a significant acknowledgment of the magnitude and impact of the tragedy.
The Union Home Ministry, in a formal communication to the Kerala government, stated that initial financial assistance for such disasters is provided through the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Further aid can be sought from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) following an evaluation by the Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT).
Centre’s Acknowledgment
“Keeping in view the intensity and magnitude of the Meppadi landslide disaster in Wayanad district, it has been considered by the IMCT as a disaster of severe nature for all practical purposes,” read the statement from the ministry, as reported by PTI.
The announcement came after criticisms from the Kerala government and several Members of Parliament, who raised concerns over the delay in providing financial assistance for the affected areas.
Priyanka Gandhi Welcomes the Move
Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra expressed her appreciation for the Centre’s decision but urged for immediate allocation of funds to aid rehabilitation efforts. Taking to social media, she wrote:
“I am glad @AmitShah ji has finally taken the decision to declare the Wayanad tragedy as a ‘Disaster of Severe Nature.’ This will greatly help those in need of rehabilitation and is definitely a step in the right direction. We will all be grateful if adequate funds for the same can also be allocated at the earliest.”
Implications for Relief Efforts
The classification of the landslides as a “severe nature disaster” could expedite the flow of additional resources to the affected areas. This includes financial support for rehabilitation, rebuilding infrastructure, and assisting families who lost their homes and livelihoods in the calamity.
Kerala, known for its recurring monsoon-related disasters, has repeatedly sought enhanced central support to mitigate the impact of such calamities. The Centre’s latest decision is expected to bolster the state’s recovery efforts in the Wayanad district.