Rahul Gandhi seeks assistance for people of landslide-hit Wayanad, says area has ecological issue

New Delhi [India], July 31 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday urged the Centre to extend all possible help to the people of Wayanad in the aftermath of massive landslides that killed 158 people and injured many others.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha during a brief discussion on the landslide tragedy, Rahul Gandhi, who is Leader of Opposition in House and a former MP from Wayanad, said the areas is ecologically fragile and technology solutions to prevent mishaps should be looked into.
"It is a huge tragedy in Wayanad, and the Military is doing a good job there. I think it's essential that we support the people of Wayanad and give with as much assistance as possible. I request the government to aid the people of Wayanad during this difficult time," Gandhi said.
"This is the second time this tragedy has taken place. It took place five years ago, and it is quite clear that this area has an ecological issue. Therefore, this should be looked into and whatever high-tech solutions can be brought forward will be good," he added.
The number of people who died in the landslides that struck the hilly areas of Meppadi in Wayanad district on Tuesday following incessant rainfall has gone up to 158, the Kerala Revenue Department said today.
Earlier in the day, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Kerala government could have minimized the losses in Wayanad if they were alert to the Central government's warning about potential landslides and the risk to people's lives.
"Early warning was given, that is why on July 23, we sent 9 teams of NDRF and three more were sent yesterday. Had they become alert the day the NDRF teams landed, a lot could have been saved. But this is the time to stand with the government and the people of Kerala. Irrespective of the party politics, the Narendra Modi government will stand with the people of Kerala," Shah said in the Rajya Sabha.
Search and rescue operations are continuing at landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad. At the moment, 1200 personnel from the Indian Army, DSC centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy and the IAF are deployed here. (ANI)