Kerala CM Refutes Amit Shah's Claims on Wayanad Landslide Warnings

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan disputes Union Home Minister Amit Shah's claim that Kerala was warned weeks before the Wayanad landslides. Vijayan emphasizes inadequate early warnings and calls for immediate disaster response and resilience measures. Shah maintains warnings were issued and urges unity in aiding Kerala.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan refuted Union Home Minister Amit Shah's assertion that the state was warned well in advance about the potential natural calamity in Wayanad. Vijayan, in a press conference, stated that this is not a time for blame and highlighted inconsistencies in Shah's claims. According to Vijayan, the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) initial alerts did not predict the extent of rainfall causing the landslides.

He explained that Wayanad experienced an unprecedented 572 millimeters of rainfall within 48 hours, far exceeding the IMD's forecast of 115-204 millimeters. The Chief Minister also pointed out that warnings for heavy rain and potential landslides were issued only after the incidents had begun, despite earlier forecasts indicating minor hazards.

While Shah maintains that the central government provided early warnings and dispatched NDRF teams well in advance, Vijayan counters this by stating that the warnings were not adequate. He stressed the urgent need for concerted efforts in disaster management and climate adaptation. As rescue operations continue amidst challenging conditions, the death toll has risen, and significant damage has been reported.