NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday donated his entire salary of one month to aid in the relief and rehabilitation efforts of flood victims in Kerala’s Wayanad. The Congress leader also urged people to contribute whatever they can and help rebuild the lives of people who have suffered losses in the disaster.
“Our brothers and sisters in Wayanad have endured a devastating tragedy, and they need our support to recover from the unimaginable losses they have faced. I have donated my entire month’s salary to aid in the relief and rehabilitation efforts of those affected. I sincerely urge all fellow Indians to contribute whatever they can–every little bit makes a difference,” Rahul Gandhi posted on X.
“Wayanad is a beautiful part of our country, and together, we can help rebuild the lives of its people who have lost so much. You can safely contribute to the @INCKerala fund through the Stand With Wayanad – INC app,” he added.
On Sunday, Rahul Gandhi discussed the relief efforts for the landslide-hit Wayanad region and the need to revitalise tourism in the area, during a conversation with local Congress leaders.
“Wayanad is steadily recovering from the devastation caused by the tragic landslides. While there is still much to be done, it is heartening to witness people from all communities and organisations coming together in relief efforts,” Gandhi said in a post on X.
“There is one crucial aspect I wish to highlight that will greatly aid the people of Wayanad–tourism. Once the rains cease, it is imperative that we make a concerted effort to revitalise tourism in the area and encourage people to visit,” the post read.
He further highlighted that the landslide was localised to a specific area and not the entire region, but the perception of people outside is that the whole area is dangerous. Stating that Wayanad remains a stunning destination, the Congress leader said that it will soon be ready to welcome tourists from across India, “It is important to note that the landslide was localised to a specific area in Wayanad, not the entire region. Wayanad remains a stunning destination and will soon be ready to welcome tourists from across India and the world with all its natural charm,” the post read.
The Congress leader also emphasised other areas regarding relief efforts that need focus, including poor interdepartmental coordination, inadequate compensation, and the loss of livelihood, among other things.”
As far as I know, there are four or five things which we need to put pressure on. One is poor interdepartmental coordination in relief and rehabilitation, second is inadequate compensation, third is the rent issue that I raised, then many people have lost livelihoods, including vehicles and plantations, and finally the impact of tourism,” he said.
Landslides that killed hundreds of people in Kerala’s Wayanad were triggered by a burst of rainfall that was made about 10 per cent heavier by human-caused climate change, a study by World Weather Attribution (WWA) has found. (ANI)