Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kerala’s Kannur on Saturday morning and quickly left for Wayanad, an area devastated by landslides. The disaster, which occurred on July 30, claimed the lives of 416 people, and over 150 people are still missing.
Accompanying him was Suresh Gopi, the Union Minister of State for Tourism and the only BJP MP from Kerala. At the airport, Modi was welcomed by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and other top officials from the central and state governments.
Shortly after, PM Modi, along with others, took a helicopter to Wayanad. He is scheduled to conduct an aerial survey of four villages in Kalpetta that were severely impacted by the landslides. During his visit, Modi will meet with patients in hospitals and visit some relief camps where over 10,700 people affected by the landslides are staying.
Following this, PM Modi will chair a review meeting with Arif Mohammed Khan, Pinarayi Vijayan, and other officials. He is expected to return to Kannur airport around 3:30 PM and then fly back to New Delhi.
Before PM Modi’s visit, over 1,200 rescue personnel from the NDRF, Army, Air Force, Navy, Fire Services, Civil Defense, and others were deployed in Wayanad for rescue and relief operations.
More than 100 ambulances, along with doctors and other medical staff, have been stationed to provide medical assistance and treatment. The Indian Army built a 190-foot-long Bailey Bridge in Wayanad, crucial for moving heavy machinery and ambulances. The bridge was completed in just 71 hours, significantly aiding rescue operations and helping save around 200 people.
Additionally, the central government formed a committee to visit the affected areas in the state. This team has been in Wayanad for the past two days and will conclude its visit on Saturday.