Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said an effective rehabilitation will be ensured for those affected by the unprecedented landslide in Wayanad and search will continue in the Chaliyar River for missing persons.
Addressing presspersons after the all-party meeting to review the rescue operation in Wayanad, the CM said those affected by the landslide will be sheltered at relief camps for now. “Media persons will not be allowed inside the camp to ensure the privacy of families sheltered,” he said. The CM said a reception will be set up at relief camps for visitors.
Appreciating the rescue efforts being conducted by the Army, Vijayan said the force informed in the meeting all those trapped have been rescued and construction of the bailey bridge has almost been completed. “Heavy equipment could be moved to expedite the rescue efforts through the bridge to the other bank of the river,” he added. CM said those who attended the all-party meeting expressed satisfaction over the rescue efforts.
Vijayan added steps will be taken to ensure the education of children is not affected and school education and the panchayat department will sketch out a plan to ensure this. He also added agencies will be involved to provide psychological counselling to overcome the trauma.
The chief minister said the public should adhere to the health department’s advisories to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. He also said domestic animals will also be buried as per procedures.
Vijayan said effective rehabilitation will be ensured for the affected. He added that 12 ministers are currently camping in Wayanad. “A ministerial subcommittee including ministers of revenue, public works, forest and SC/ST departments will continue to Wayanad to coordinate rescue efforts,” the CM said.
