Wayanad landslides: Toll rises to 158; Home Minister Amit Shah says Kerala was given prior warning
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Wednesday (July 31) that the Kerala government was warned about the landslides that have caused devastation in the Wayanad district, a week before they happened.
Speaking in the parliament, Shah said that the central government had informed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration on July 23 about the potential danger. Additionally, nine NDRF teams were sent to Kerala as heavy rainfall was predicted in the region.
He said that the central government had informed the Pinarayi Vijayan-led administration on July 23 about the potential danger. Additionally, nine NDRF teams were sent to Kerala as heavy rainfall was predicted in the region.
"Nine NDRF teams were sent by the Centre on July 23 fearing there may be landslides. What did the Kerala government do? Why did not the Kerala government evacuate people?" Shah asked in Rajya Sabha.
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"The Centre has spent over Rs 2,000 crore for developing the early warning system since 2014. I want to clarify that on July 23, the Centre gave an early warning to the Kerala government, seven days before the incident, and then on July 24 and 25, we warned them again. On July 26, a warning was given that there was a chance of heavy rainfall of more than 20 cm, and there were chances of landslides," Shah said.
"India is among four countries that can provide warning on natural disasters at least seven days in advance," he continued.
The home minister also said that the deaths due to the landslides could have been minimised had the Kerala government been alert following the arrival of NDRF teams.
“Members have raised questions about the Government of India's warning system. They are shouting ‘please listen to us,’ but I want to tell them, please read the warning sent to the state,” Shah said in Rajya Sabha.
“When Odisha was being governed by the Naveen Patnaik-led government, we had sent an alert about the cyclone almost seven days in advance. Preparations were made, and just one person lost life, but even that was unfortunate,” Amit Shah said.
Shah said that a similar warning was given to the Gujarat government three days before the cyclone, and because they took timely action, no lives were lost.
"The Narendra Modi government is standing like a rock with the Kerala government and the people to deal with the Wayanad tragedy," Shah said.
As of Wednesday, at least 158 people have lost their lives, and over 200 others have been injured after landslides triggered by heavy rains hit Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday.
(With inputs from agencies)
