Kerala Governor: Wayanad Landslides Trap Village, Response Efforts Hindered

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan spoke to NDTV about the devastating landslides in Wayanad, stating that the full extent of the damage is still unclear as rescue teams have not yet reached the affected areas. The death toll has already surpassed 200, with most of the recovered bodies coming from a village that was ravaged when the Chaliyar river changed course due to the landslides.

The Governor highlighted that the first village hit by the landslides has been isolated after a bridge leading to it was washed away. The Army is currently working to construct a Bailey bridge to gain access to the village in order to properly assess the damage.

He emphasized that the affected village is not remote, but part of a town area and has been in existence for a century. When questioned about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that landslide alerts were sent to Kerala in advance, the Governor refrained from commenting, stating that the focus should be on supporting the affected people during this time of grief.

The situation has sparked a political dispute, with Kerala’s Chief Minister refuting the Home Minister’s remarks about the warning. The Governor declined to comment on this issue but acknowledged that rescue and relief efforts are underway, with camps set up to accommodate the affected individuals.

Additionally, he commended the efforts of doctors and the armed forces in providing support in the affected areas.