On anniversary of Wayanad landslides, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan calls for joint efforts to complete rehabilitation

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reiterated the call to work together to complete the rehabilitation of survivors of the Wayanad landslides on the first anniversary of the disaster.

In a message on Tuesday, the Chief Minister hailed the survivors of one of the worst natural disasters in the State and those who had worked tirelessly in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

The memories of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala disaster would stay with the people forever. At the same time, it was yet another example of the Kerala model that saw the people overcome the tragedy together with confidence, he said.

The government, he said, was providing support to the survivors by providing them livelihood, rent, medical assistance, education, and rehabilitation.

Soon after the disaster, the government machinery along with the people had launched rescue efforts in a manner that underlined the State’s unity and determination. It shifted those who had lost their loved ones to relief camps, provided them aid and mental support, and ensured students’ education in the camps itself. The dependents of those killed were given financial assistance. The government paid the rent of those who shifted to rented accommodation or were living with relatives, and took care of further treatment of those who needed it. Assistance was given to those who had lost their livelihood. Steps were taken to make available all documents that had been lost, from ration card to passport. Food kits were being distributed. Facilities were made available at Meppadi GHSS for students’ education. A new building and four classrooms too will be ready by mid-August.

Financial assistance was provided to children who had lost either or both parents. Steps were also being taken in connection with the anniversary to meet all the disaster-affected and provide them counselling.

Construction of a township to rehabilitate the survivors was on. Those who did not want a house in township were provided financial assistance, the Chief Minister said.