Lagatar24 Desk
Wayanad: The full extent of the devastation caused by landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district remains unknown as rescue teams have not yet reached the settlement first struck by the landslides, Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan told NDTV. The death toll in the calamity has now exceeded 200.
“We haven’t even reached the initial site of the landslide,” Governor Khan stated, emphasizing the challenges faced by rescue teams. He explained that the bodies recovered so far are from a village devastated by the Chaliyar river changing its course due to the landslides. “The river changed its course and ravaged a village. These bodies are from that village. But we haven’t been able to reach the first village hit by the landslide,” he added.
Governor Khan noted that a bridge leading to the first village was washed away, cutting off access. “The Army engineering unit is working to build a Bailey bridge, which may be completed within a few hours. Only then can we properly assess the damage,” he said.
Describing the first village affected by the landslide, the Governor clarified, “It is not a remote village. It is in a hilly area, but part of a town. It is a 100-year-old settlement.”
When asked about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the Centre had issued landslide alerts to Kerala days before the disaster, Governor Khan refrained from commenting on the political blame game. “Yesterday was not the time to take stock of these things. This is the time to share the grief of the people, to meet patients and their relatives,” he said. However, he added, “If the Home Minister is saying warnings were issued, I have no reason to doubt it.”
Governor Khan assured that rescue and relief operations are in full swing. “Camps have been set up. Everyone affected is being taken care of, including those living on the new banks of the river, which may change course again,” he explained.
Praising the efforts of medical professionals and armed forces, Governor Khan said, “Doctors in government and private hospitals are working tirelessly. Our Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel are taking risks and doing great work.”
