Moment of silence observed for Wayanad victims at Congress parliamentary party meeting

NEW DELHI: The Congress parliamentary party (CPP) meeting in Parliament concluded with a moment of silence for the victims of the Wayanad landslides and the three UPSC aspirants who lost their lives due to flooding in Delhi. The meeting was held at the Central Hall, Parliament House, in the national capital.

Three UPSC aspirants lost their lives in a flooding incident at the basement of the Rau’s IAS coaching centre in the national capital. “A moment of silence for the lives lost in the Wayanad landslides. Our thoughts and prayers are with the numerous families battling this devastating tragedy”, said Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge in a post on X.

A moment of silence was observed at the CPP’s General Body meeting in Central Hall, Parliament House, New Delhi, to pay tribute to the victims of the Wayanad landslide and the Delhi flooding tragedy. pic.twitter.com/Mlh0yTwOK6

— Gujarat Youth Congress (@IYCGujarat) July 31, 2024

At least two massive landslides struck Kerala’s Wayanad on Tuesday morning, causing widespread destruction. The first occurred in Mundakkai, a town, and the second in Chooralmala. The massive landslides wreaked havoc in the region, damaging houses and roads, uprooting trees, and swelling water bodies, which hindered rescue operations. Relief and rescue efforts are currently underway.

The first landslide occurred at 2 am on July 30, followed by another at 4.10 am, causing immense damage to homes and livelihoods. Many areas, including Meppadi, Mundakkai and Chooralmala, have been isolated, and roads have been washed away. The Vellarmala GVH School was completely buried.

The Indian Army has ramped up its rescue operations in Kerala’s Wayanad following devastating landslides, successfully evacuating more than 1,000 people from affected areas to safety. As of Wednesday morning, the bodies of around 70 victims have been recovered.

The massive landslides wreaked havoc in the region as houses and roads were damaged, trees uprooted, and water bodies swelled, hindering rescue operations. Kerala is observing two days of mourning till Wednesday. The national flag was flown at half mast at the state assembly.

On Tuesday, Union Minister George Kurian reached Wayanad to take stock of ongoing relief operations, where he interacted with senior officials of the NDRF, CRPF, and Army officials. He also visited a relief camp at Kalpetta. The Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the victims and Rs 50,000 each for the injured. (ANI)