Rahul Gandhi Reflects On Personal Loss While Meeting Wayanad Landslide Victims, Says, “Felt The Same When My Father Died”

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited the landslide-affected area at Chooralmala in Wayanad, Kerala. They assessed the damage and met with those impacted by the tragedy.

Addressing the media after their visit, Rahul Gandhi described the situation as a profound tragedy for Wayanad, Kerala, and the entire nation. He expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and homes, pledging support for the survivors and acknowledging the need for extensive aid and relocation efforts. He also extended his gratitude to the doctors, nurses, administration, and volunteers working on the ground.

Gandhi compared his feelings to those he experienced after his father’s death, noting that the local residents have lost not just family members but their entire families. He emphasized the importance of respecting and supporting these individuals, highlighting that the nation’s focus is on Wayanad.

The landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall on Tuesday, have claimed 256 lives. Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages in Wayanad district are among the worst hit. In addition to the fatalities, over 200 people have been injured. Rescue operations, which are now in their third day, have seen the Army rescue around 1,000 individuals, with 220 people still missing.

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The Army has established a Command and Control Centre in Kozhikode to manage Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Kerala Health Minister Veena George reported that 1,500 Army personnel have been deployed for rescue efforts, alongside forensic surgeons to assist in the recovery process.

The Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted additional rainfall for Wayanad and neighboring districts, with a red alert issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod districts.

Internationally, countries including the US, Russia, China, and Iran have extended their condolences over the disaster.