Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi. (File photo: PTI)
Calling it a ‘huge tragedy’, Gandhi urged the government to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation package, build disaster-resistant infrastructure and enhance compensation for the affected
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi while speaking at the Parliament on Wednesday demanded for a ‘higher compensation’ and ‘comprehensive rehabilitation package’ for the people affected due to the landslide in Kerala’s Wayanad.
Gandhi also called on the government to declare the recent calamity in Wayanad a ‘national disaster’.
Calling it a ‘huge tragedy’, Gandhi urged the government to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation package, build disaster-resistant infrastructure and enhance compensation for the affected.
While emphasising the need to declare the Wayanad landslides a national disaster, he further said, ”I saw it with my own eyes. I visited many different places where the disaster took place. In some cases, an entire family is gone, with just one person remaining, sometimes an adult or a child.” He also expressed his gratitude to those who helped during the disaster.
”With more than 200 dead and a vast number missing, the eventual casualty count may exceed 400,” Gandhi added.
The Congress leader also lauded the work of the state governments of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana for their assistance as well the central forces and the army that helped in the rescue operations.
Gandhi also highlighted the unity shown by communities.
”It is heartening to see all communities coming together to help people, regardless of different ideologies,” he noted.
He also pointed out that the landslides had cut off vital roads, exacerbating the crisis.
(with PTI inputs)
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