Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. (File photo: PTI)
Calling it a “huge tragedy”, Gandhi urged the government to provide a comprehensive recovery package, build disaster-resilient infrastructure and step up compensation for the affected people
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday demanded “higher compensation” and “comprehensive rehabilitation plan” for those affected by the landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, while addressing the Assembly.
Gandhi also called on the government to declare the recent disaster in Wayanad a “national disaster”.
Calling it a “huge tragedy”, Gandhi urged the government to provide a comprehensive recovery package, build disaster-resilient infrastructure and improve compensation to those affected.
While stressing the need to declare the Wayanad landslide a national disaster, he further said, “I have seen it with my own eyes. I have visited many places where disasters have occurred. In some cases, entire families have disappeared leaving only A person, sometimes an adult or a child, who also expresses gratitude to those who have helped during the disaster.
Gandhi added: “More than 200 people died, a large number of people are missing, and the final casualties may exceed 400.”
The Congress leader also praised the aid efforts of the governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana as well as the central forces and the army for helping in the rescue operations.
Gandhi also highlighted the unity shown by the community.
“It's heartening to see all communities come together to help people, regardless of ideology,” he noted.
He also pointed out that landslides had cut off important roads, exacerbating the crisis.
(With PTI input)
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