Kerala Government Was Warned Of Potential Landslides A Week In Advance: Amit Shah

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday (31 July) said in the Parliament that the Centre had issued an early warning of rainfall and potential landslides to the Kerala government on 23 July.

Over 150 people were killed and 200 have been injured after devastating landslides hit Wayanad district on Tuesday (30 July).

Rescue efforts are ongoing for 180 individuals who remain missing.

Shah stated that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government was alerted by the Centre a week before the landslides hit Wayanad.

He added that the Centre had dispatched nine NDRF teams to Kerala after heavy rainfall was predicted for the southern state.

"Nine NDRF teams were sent in Kerala in advance. The Kerala government did not evacuate people in time," Amit Shah said in Rajya Sabha, NDTV reported.

"India is among four countries that can provide warning on natural disasters at least seven days in advance," he added.

Shah said that the deaths due to the landslides could have been minimised had the Kerala government become alert following the arrival of NDRF teams.

"The Narendra Modi government is standing like a rock with the Kerala government and the people to deal with the Wayanad tragedy," Shah said.

Union Minister George Kurian, who visited Wayanad on Tuesday night, earlier stated that Prime Minister Modi is closely monitoring the situation.

The Army and Air Force are also involved in rescue operations, with two columns of army personnel and two IAF helicopters deployed. Additionally, the NDRF, SDRF, and a dog squad are assisting in the rescue efforts.

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