New Delhi: Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the landslide-ravaged Chooralmala in Wayanad on Thursday, where over 250 lives were lost and around 200 people were injured in the devastating disaster. The siblings visit came after their initial plans were delayed due to inclement weather.Massive landslides that struck Mundakkai and Churalmala have left a trail of destruction with authorities bracing for a possible rise in fatalities on July 30. Rescue teams are working against the clock to locate missing individuals, facing significant challenges in navigating the treacherous terrain without heavy machinery to clear debris and uncover buried victims.Congress leaders offer support to landslide victims According to media reports, both will visit various relief camps set up in the landslides-hit areas of Wayanad district, citing unidentified sources in the Congress. After arriving at Kannur airport at 9:30 am, both embarked on a road journey to Wayanad, reaching Chooralmala in the afternoon.They were joined by AICC general secretary and Alappuzha MP KC Venugopal. As per their scheduled itinerary, the duo is set to visit the Chooralmala landslide site, followed by stops at a Community Health Centre, Dr. Moopens Medical College. They also visited two relief camps in Meppadi, where they will assess the situation and offer support to those affected. Rahul Gandhi, who secured a victory in the Wayanad Lok Sabha constituency in both the 2019 and 2024 general elections, has relinquished his seat in favor of Raebareli, Uttar Pradesh.LoP Shri @RahulGandhi & AICC General Secretary Smt. @priyankagandhi ji visit the Chooralmala landslide site in Wayanad where devastating landslides have claimed many lives and left families devastated.📍 Kerala pic.twitter.com/EnPakO8tJC— Congress (@INCIndia) August 1, 2024Kerala: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi along with party leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at the landslide site in Chooralmala, Wayanad.A landslide occurred here on 30th July claiming the lives of 167 people.(Source: AICC) pic.twitter.com/c04qfgDeVV— ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2024Rescue teams facing challengesThe rescue operator said that excavators were available for the operations but were insufficient for the task. He emphasized that the deployment of heavy machinery is crucial to facilitate the removal of massive trees and conducting comprehensive search operations within the collapsed buildings is essential to advance the rescue efforts.Massive rescue operation is underwayAccording to State Revenue Minister K Rajan, a massive rescue operation is underway in the landslide-affected area, involving over 1,600 personnel from various forces, including the Army, Navy, NDRF, police, fire, rescue and other agencies, who are working tirelessly to save lives and restore normalcy.
