Kerala Govt Warned of Wayanad Landslides a Week in Advance: Amit Shah

New Delhi: In a statement to Parliament today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah asserted that the Kerala government had been warned about potential landslides in Wayanad as early as July 23.

The devastating landslides, which struck the district on Tuesday, resulted in over 150 deaths and 200 injuries, with rescue operations ongoing for 180 missing individuals.

Shah criticised the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala administration for not evacuating residents promptly despite the early warnings. He noted that the Centre had dispatched nine NDRF teams to Kerala in anticipation of heavy rainfall.

“Nine NDRF teams were sent to Kerala in advance. The Kerala government did not evacuate people in time,” Shah stated in the Rajya Sabha. “India is among four countries capable of providing at least seven days’ advance warning on natural disasters.”

Shah emphasised that many lives could have been saved if the state government had heeded the warnings and taken timely action. He affirmed the Modi government’s unwavering support for Kerala during this crisis.

Union Minister George Kurian, who visited Wayanad on Tuesday night, mentioned that PM Modi is closely monitoring the situation. “The situation is being monitored by the central government at the highest level. The Honourable Prime Minister is monitoring the situation and has deputed me to visit the affected areas,” Kurian said.