Last updated:
NDRF along with other forces are conducting rescue operations in Wayanad, Kerala. (Press Trust photo)
Union Minister Suresh Gopi said the Center will review the request to declare deadly landslides in northern Kerala a national disaster.
Union Minister Suresh Gopi has praised those involved in search and rescue operations following a landslide in Kerala's Wayanad district.
Gopi told the Press Trust of India (PTI) in an interview on Sunday that describing the rescue work as “stressful” would be an understatement.
He expressed his admiration for the tremendous physical strength and dedication required by the operation and recognized the extraordinary efforts of those involved.
Video | Wayanad's landslide victory: “I think it's harsh to call it (the rescue operation) a stressful job. I can't imagine the physical strength and courage they had.@TheSureshGopi). pic.twitter.com/Oytr61TtPy
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) August 4, 2024
Gopi also said the Center would review the legality of demands from various parties to declare the landslides that hit northern parts of Kerala and killed hundreds of people a national disaster.
Union Minister of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas Gopi said the central government will “review its legal aspects” after taking stock of the landslides that destroyed hundreds of houses in Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas of the district.
“The impact must be studied,” he said.
The Union MoS was speaking to reporters after arriving in Wayanad to inspect the landslide-hit areas, where he interacted with rescue workers on various aspects of the ongoing search operations.
He said that I will report to the central government what I have seen and learned after inspecting the disaster area.
On the assistance the Center will provide to Kerala, Gopi said the state will have to assess the impact of landslides and make requests.
“The state has to inform the center. Only after that can we talk about providing assistance,” he said.
The actor-politician also said that as part of the recovery of survivors, they should also be offered counseling given the tragedy they suffered.
According to data released by the regional government, 219 bodies and more than 154 body parts have been found, and about 206 people are still missing.
To strengthen rescue operations, hundreds of personnel from various forces including NDRF, K-9 Dog Unit, Army, Special Operations Group, Madras Engineering Group, Police, Fire Brigade, Forest Department, Navy and Coast Guard were deployed At the rescue scene.
