The catastrophic landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district have claimed 156 lives, with several hundreds more injured and trapped. The disaster has caused extensive destruction, including the obliteration of homes and roads, the uprooting of trees, and the overflow of water bodies. Rescue operations are underway with every available resource being mobilized.
Reinforcements include approximately 200 Indian Army personnel from the DSC Centre in Kannur and the 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode. Additionally, two Air Force helicopters—a Mi-17 and an ALH—coordinate aerial rescue efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan full support.
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2024
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation package of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.
The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/1RSsknTtvo
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 30, 2024
Swayamsevaks And Seva Bharti On The Ground
Amid this devastation, the selfless efforts of Swayamsevaks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Seva Bharti volunteers have been crucial. These volunteers actively assist National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in locating the deceased, organizing food camps, and providing shelter to those who have lost everything. They also facilitate the dignified last rites for the deceased, ensuring they are remembered even in death.
When vested interests & divisive forces of political & non political families keep accusing @RSSorg in various words & find excuses like inclement weather during disasters, here are selfless swayamsevaks serving society in Wayanad without expecting even a simple “ THANK YOU ” . pic.twitter.com/OdWWGjDrsW
— B L Santhosh (@blsanthosh) July 31, 2024
Hundreds of Swayamsevaks from nearby regions have rallied to support the ongoing relief efforts, working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. They are coordinating the safe transport of the injured to hospitals, clearing debris from blocked roads, and providing food and basic supplies to those in need.
Seva Bharti’s Mobile Cremation System – Chitagni
Seva Bharti has deployed its mobile mortuary system Chitagni at Churalmala, Wayanad to address the challenge of dignified disposal of the deceased. Traditional cremation practices are difficult for many economically disadvantaged families in Kerala due to limited space and resources. The mobile cremation unit, which operates on LPG, allows for the completion of cremation in about two hours, ensuring that families can honor their loved ones with dignity.
The mobile cremation system has also been welcomed by Christian communities, where space constraints in church grounds sometimes hinder traditional religious rites.
Rahul Gandhi – The Missing MP
The selfless efforts of these volunteers stand in stark contrast to the absence of Wayanad’s elected representative, Rahul Gandhi. Despite being the Member of Parliament for the affected constituency, Gandhi has yet to visit the disaster-stricken area. Instead, he took to social media on July 30 to explain his inability to land in Wayanad due to adverse weather conditions, promising to visit “as soon as possible.”
Despite the scale of the tragedy, Rahul Gandhi, the Member of Parliament for Wayanad, has not yet visited the affected areas. Critics and constituents have raised concerns over his absence. On 30 July 2024, Gandhi made a post on his official X account, citing adverse weather conditions as the reason for the postponement of his visit. He wrote, “Priyanka and I were scheduled to visit Wayanad tomorrow to meet with families affected by the landslide and take stock of the situation. However, due to incessant rains and adverse weather conditions, we have been informed by authorities that we will not be able to land. I want to assure the people of Wayanad that we will visit as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will monitor the situation closely and provide all necessary assistance. Our thoughts are with the people of Wayanad at this difficult time.”
Priyanka and I were scheduled to visit Wayanad tomorrow to meet with families affected by the landslide and take stock of the situation.
However, due to incessant rains and adverse weather conditions we have been informed by authorities that we will not be able to land.
I…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024
This absence is particularly noteworthy given Gandhi’s history of vilifying the RSS. In the past, he has made controversial statements linking the organization to Mahatma Gandhi’s assassination repeatedly. He has also referred to the RSS as a “secret society,” painting a negative picture of the very organization whose members are now at the forefront of rescue efforts in his constituency.
The irony is not lost on observers, who note that while Gandhi tweets from afar, RSS Swayamsevaks and Seva Bharati volunteers actively engage in life-saving operations. These volunteers clear debris, coordinate the transport of the injured to hospitals, and provide essential supplies to those affected by the disaster.
As Wayanad grapples with this unprecedented crisis, the actions of various organizations and individuals speak louder than words. The RSS and Seva Bharati’s on-ground presence and tangible assistance highlight their commitment to service while raising questions about the effectiveness of political leadership in times of dire need.
(With inputs from Organiser)
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