Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging immediate and unconditional financial assistance for the victims of the devastating landslide that struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Kerala’s Wayanad district on July 30, 2024.
Expressing concern over the immense loss of lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure, Gandhi criticized the inadequacy of the recently announced Rs 529.50 crore relief package, which includes restrictive conditions.
“As the MP for Wayanad Lok Sabha, I felt it my duty to apprise you of the plight of the people of Chooralmala and Mundakkai in my constituency. It is heart-breaking that even six months after this horrific tragedy, they continue to face unimaginable hardships while trying to rebuild their lives,” she wrote.
The landslide claimed 298 lives, with 231 bodies and 223 body parts recovered. Thirty-two people were reported missing and declared dead. Seventeen families, totaling 58 members, were completely wiped out. The disaster also caused extensive damage to 1,685 buildings, including homes, schools, village offices, dispensaries, anganwadis, shops, religious centers, and government offices.
Gandhi stressed the urgent need for comprehensive support given the scale of the destruction.
“Following continuous appeals from Kerala’s MPs, the central government announced a Rs 529.50 crore relief package. However, aside from its inadequacy, the package comes with two unprecedented conditions: the funds are to be disbursed as a loan rather than a grant, and they must be fully spent by March 31, 2025,” she stated.
“These conditions are not only immensely unfair but also display a shocking lack of sensitivity toward the people of Chooralmala and Mundakkai who have suffered such shattering losses,” she added.
Appealing directly to the Prime Minister, Gandhi called for empathy and greater support for Wayanad’s residents.
“The people of Wayanad deserve every possible assistance and support. I urge you to convert the relief package into a grant and extend the implementation period. This will help them begin rebuilding their lives and restore hope for a better future,” she wrote.
