Chief Minister Calls for Financial Support and Climate Action from Prime Minister

During his visit to the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was called upon by Kerala’s Chief Minister to provide substantial financial aid for the rehabilitation of those affected and to address the broader impacts of climate change. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a collaborative effort between the state and central governments to tackle the challenges posed by the disaster. The Prime Minister conducted an aerial survey of the worst-hit areas before visiting Chooralmala, where he also met with survivors at a relief camp in Meppadi and spoke with the injured at WIMS Hospital. He offered comfort and reassurances, promising continued support from the central government.

The Chief Minister highlighted the extensive damage caused by the landslide, with preliminary assessments estimating losses in the thousands of crores of rupees. He presented a detailed note to the Prime Minister, outlining Kerala’s immediate needs and stressing the importance of rapid financial support to rebuild and implement long-term strategies to combat the increasing frequency of climate-induced natural disasters. He also pointed out that Kerala has been disproportionately affected by global warming and climate change, leading to unpredictable natural calamities like the recent landslides. The Chief Minister called for the establishment of advanced research centres in Kerala under institutions such as the Geological Survey of India and the India Meteorological Department. He emphasised the need for modern climate monitoring systems and tools to better predict and manage future disasters. The Chief Minister also requested the Prime Minister to declare the Wayanad landslide a severe disaster and a national calamity, highlighting the scale of the destruction and the urgent need for coordinated efforts to rebuild and protect the state from future climate-related threats.