Residents of Wayanad who had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed their immense happiness and relief after the encounter. They conveyed their concerns to the Prime Minister and were reassured by his words.
Wayanad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet and interact with the victims and survivors of the landslide at a relief camp
Ayyapan, a resident of Wayanad who met the Prime Minister at St. Joseph’s School, shared his joy after speaking with Modi. “I am extremely happy after PM Modi spoke to me and assured me that the administration is with us all. I have only seen PM Modi on TV, but today I saw him in front of me. I spoke to him in Malayalam, and someone translated for me. I don’t have a home, but after hearing my story, PM Modi told me not to worry. He reassured us, and we all felt a sense of relief,” Ayyapan said. He mentioned that Union Minister Suresh Gopi also promised that everyone’s needs would be met. Ayyapan, who lost his immediate family members in a landslide, expressed his sense of comfort after meeting the Prime Minister.
Many survivors were emotional during their interaction with the Prime Minister. Modi was seen consoling women, men, and children, visibly moved by their stories.
Among those who spoke with PM Modi was 16-year-old Hani, who tragically lost 11 family members. Hani also wept while meeting the Prime Minister. Modi met Lavanya, an 11-year-old girl who lost all her close relatives. He placed his hand on her head, offering comfort.
Dr. Charlie, who was present during the visit, shared his experience of interacting with the Prime Minister. “He asked me in detail about the situation and how people were coping with the tragedy. I informed him that counseling sessions were being provided as many were still in shock. The PM then asked if there were enough counselors, and I confirmed that there were,” Dr. Charlie said.
Wayanad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet and interact with the victims and survivors of the landslide at a relief camp
Also read: PM Modi Visits Landslide-Hit Wayanad; Expresses Concern Over Impact On Local Children
During his visit, PM Modi also went to a local hospital where he met with patients, including 8-year-old Avanthika, who lost all her family members except her grandmother. He also spoke with Arun, a survivor who spent over six hours trapped in deep mud before finally managing to escape.
The Prime Minister also interacted with Sukyarth, a doctor from Orissa who had come to Kerala for a holiday with her husband when the tragedy struck on July 30th. Her husband, also a doctor, was washed away in the disaster and is still missing.
Later, PM Modi chaired a review meeting attended by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and other officials. He was scheduled to return to Kannur and fly back to Delhi in the evening.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi arrived at Kannur airport, where he was received by the Kerala Governor, Chief Minister, and other top officials from the Central and state governments.
The landslide that struck Wayanad on July 30 claimed 416 lives, with over 150 people still missing.
