In Wayanad, PM Modi promises all help for relief, rehabilitation

Wayanad: PM Narendra Modi on Saturday visited landslides hit Wayanad district and assured that the central govt would “spare no effort” in helping Kerala in relief and rehabilitation, while describing the tragedy as “nature displaying its furious form”.
Modi, who arrived in the hill district by helicopter from Kannur airport, conducted an aerial survey, walked through disaster stricken Chooralmala to get a first hand view of the destruction caused by the July 30 landslides, walked on the 190-foot long Bailey bridge constructed by the Army after the disaster, visited a relief camps, and interacted with survivors.
The tragedy killed 229 people, and over 130 are missing.
The PM was accompanied by Governor Arif Mohammed Khan and CM Pinarayi Vijayan during his visit. “I would like to assure survivors and victims that they are not alone in this time of distress. The nation, Centre, state, everyone, is with them. While we cannot replace the lives that have been lost, we should all try to ensure the future and dreams of those who survived are not shattered.
“In such times of distress, when we all work together, very good results are achieved. Everyone’s prayers were with the survivors,” Modi said at a meeting at the district collectorate here to review the situation and work out a plan for the rehabilitation of victims. Earlier in the meeting, Modi asserted Centre would spare no effort in assisting with relief and rehabilitation activities. As soon as the state govt submits details about the building of houses, schools, roads, infrastructure and securing the future of survivors, especially children who lost parents, “there will be full cooperation from our end,” he said, adding, “Centre will stand with Kerala govt. I do not believe any work will be stopped due to lack of funds.”
Modi said even though his “heart was heavy” on hearing about the disaster, he came to Wayanad now as he did not want to hinder the rescue and relief activities earlier. He said he saw everything in detail and that it was easier to make decisions “when you have first-hand information”. “So, I assure you again, Govt of India will make all efforts to meet all the requests made by the CM (Vijayan),” Modi said.