Kerala Governor Raises Concerns about Wayanad Landslides: Villages Yet to be Reached

The Governor mentioned that the bodies found so far are mainly from a village that was severely damaged due to the Chaliyar river altering its path. He stated, “The river shifted its course as a result of the landslides and devastated a village. These bodies were recovered from that village. However, we have not yet reached the initial village affected by the landslide,” he explained.

According to the Governor, this village is inaccessible after a bridge connecting to it was swept away. “The Army engineering unit is working on constructing a Bailey bridge (a portable bridge) which should be finished in a few hours,” he revealed, mentioning that a proper assessment of the extent of damage cannot be made until the bridge is completed. “It is not feasible as we have not reached the original site impacted by the landslide,” he added.

The Governor emphasized that the village impacted first by the landslide is “not a distant village”. “It is situated in a mountainous region, but it is not isolated. It is part of a urban area. It is a settlement that is a century old.”

When asked about Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s assertion that the Centre had issued landslide warnings to Kerala days prior to the disaster, the Governor responded, “Yesterday was not the appropriate time to delve into these matters. I am not in a position to address that matter at this time. This is the moment to empathize with the people, to visit patients and their families.”

Mr. Shah’s statement has triggered a political blame game, with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan rejecting the Home Minister’s statement and emphasizing that the Centre’s alert came after the tragedy occurred. The Governor declined to comment on this but remarked, “If the Home Minister claims that warnings were issued, I see no reason to doubt it.”

The Governor mentioned that rescue and relief operations are in full swing. “Shelters have been established. Everyone is being relocated there. This includes not only those directly affected. The river has shifted its path, and it could change further. Therefore, all those residing along the banks of this new course have also been evacuated,” he stated.

Mr. Khan commended the efforts of doctors from both government and private hospitals in the region, who are tirelessly working to assist those impacted by the disaster. “And of course, our Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel. They are taking risks and carrying out commendable work.”