New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. He stated that the Central Government had provided early warnings to the Kerala government about the heavy rainfall and potential landslides on July 23. He emphasized that the warnings continued for three more days, with a specific alert on July 26 about the likelihood of heavy downpours exceeding 20 centimeters, which could trigger landslides and slush flows.Read the warning sent to the state: Amit ShahAmit Shah emphasized the effectiveness of the Government of Indias warning system, noting that many state governments have adhered to these warnings, which resulted in minimal casualties during disaster management. He urged critics to review the warnings sent to Kerala, saying, Members have raised questions about the Government of Indias warning system. They are shouting please listen to us, but I want to tell them, please read the warning sent to the state.#WATCH | Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, My condolences to the bereaved families... I want to clarify something for the country... They kept on talking about early warning. I want to clarify that on July 23, the government of India gave an early warning to the… pic.twitter.com/pyi8WCFPq2— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2024Effective disaster managementShah provided examples of successful disaster management in other states. He mentioned that during a cyclone warning sent to Odisha under Naveen Patnaiks government, there was only one casualty due to the early alert and prompt action. Similarly, a cyclone alert sent to Gujarat three days in advance resulted in no casualties because the state took timely measures.Investment in early warning systemsThe Home Minister explained that since 2014, the Government of India has invested ₹2000 crore in developing an early warning system. This system sends alerts to every state and makes the information available on the government website. It covers various natural disasters, including rains, heat waves, storms, and lightning.NDRF deployment in KeralaOn July 23, nine National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were dispatched to Kerala due to the fear of landslides. Amit Shah questioned the Kerala governments actions, saying, What did the Kerala government do Why did not Kerala government evacuate people Rising death tollThe landslides that struck two villages in Keralas Wayanad district have resulted in a rising death toll, which reached at least 158 on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in the region.In response to the disaster, the state government has issued helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 to assist those affected.
