Kerala CM Pledges World-Class Rehabilitation for Landslide Victims in Wayanad

Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced comprehensive rehabilitation for landslide-hit areas in Wayanad, aiming for a national model. Government employees and teachers will contribute to disaster relief funds. The Catholic Church commits to building homes for displaced families. Intensive search operations continue as 224 have been confirmed dead.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday promised world-class rehabilitation for landslide-hit areas in Wayanad district, aiming to set an example for the nation and the world. During a press conference, he stated, "We will ensure world-class rehabilitation. Our goal is to implement a resettlement model that can serve as an example for the nation and the world."

Vijayan highlighted that government employees and teachers have committed to donating at least 5 percent of their salary to the disaster relief fund. "Government employees and teachers have come forward to contribute to the disaster relief fund," he said. "We have communicated with organization leaders, and they have indicated that at least five days' salary will be donated. Those willing to contribute should provide a letter to their respective heads of institutions."

The Chief Minister further assured that financial and medical assistance will be given to workers affected by the landslides. "The migrant workers in the Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas are safe. The Labour Board will provide medical and financial assistance to both plantation workers and migrant workers," he stated. He also noted that Rs 53.98 crores have been received in the disaster relief fund from July 30 until the previous day.

Ensuring quality supplies to victims and workers, Vijayan announced that 1,174 personnel from various forces have been deployed for search operations. "We must ensure the quality of food supplies provided to rescuers and workers. People in school camps need to be relocated. We will provide opportunities to retrieve valuable items from homes in the disaster-affected areas," he added. Legal and safety evaluations are underway for demolishing hazardous buildings, and the Public Works Department will assess the damage for compensation purposes.

Marking one week since the disaster, Vijayan emphasized that search operations will continue intensively. "We have conducted a thorough search operation, leaving no stone unturned in our efforts to locate the missing persons. Officially, 224 people have been confirmed dead," he said. Additionally, the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Committee has decided to build 100 homes for landslide victims, working jointly with dioceses, monastic communities, and church institutions.