In a heartening display of solidarity and compassion, aid is pouring in from across India to assist the people of Wayanad district in Kerala, who are grappling with the devastation caused by landslides triggered by heavy rains. Among the most significant contributions, the neighboring state of Karnataka, led by the Congress party, has announced a major relief effort: the construction of 100 houses for the victims of the landslide.
Karnataka Chief Minister made the announcement on Saturday via a post on X, stating, "In light of the tragic landslide in Wayanad, Karnataka stands in solidarity with Kerala. I have assured CM Pinarayi Vijayan of our support and announced that Karnataka will construct 100 houses for the victims. Together, we will rebuild and restore hope."
The decision was warmly welcomed by Congress leader and Alappuzha MP, KC Venugopal, who expressed his gratitude, saying, "The people of Wayanad and Kerala will always be extremely grateful to our neighboring state, Karnataka, for helping us in this hour of need."
Former Congress president and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, also announced on Friday that the Congress party would construct over 100 houses in Wayanad. Demonstrating his commitment, Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi, visited the landslide-affected Wayanad district on Thursday and Friday to assess the situation firsthand and offer their support to the affected families.
In a further show of support, MLAs from CPI(M), the ruling party in Kerala, announced on Saturday that they would donate one month's salary, amounting to Rs 50,000 each, to the Chief Minister's Disaster Relief Fund. This collective effort underscores the widespread concern and willingness to aid those affected by the disaster.
The situation in Wayanad remains dire, with the death toll from the landslides reaching 358 as of Saturday. Rescuers are urgently employing deep search radars to locate survivors trapped under debris and collapsed houses. The landslides have caused extensive destruction, displacing numerous families and demolishing homes, making the ongoing rescue operations critical for finding survivors and providing much-needed assistance.
