Wayanad: Residents of Wayanad, who had the opportunity to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, expressed their tremendous happiness and asked that their concerns be taken care of.
During his visit to Wayanad, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with the residents affected by the landslide. He expressed his deep concern and assured them of all possible help. He also announced immediate relief measures and a long-term rehabilitation plan for the affected areas.
“I am extremely happy after PM Modi spoke to me and assured me that the administration is with us all. I spoke to him (PM Modi) in Malayalam and someone was translating. I don’t have a home. After hearing me, PM Modi said not to worry. He has assured us all and we feel happy about it. We all felt reassured,” said Ayyapan, a Wayanad resident who met PM Modi at St Joseph’s School. His words were filled with hope and gratitude, reflecting the sentiments of many others who had the opportunity to interact with the Prime Minister.
Ayyapan said Union Minister Suresh Gopi also assured him that everyone’s needs would be fulfilled. “I am feeling much relieved after meeting PM Modi,” said Ayyapan, who lost his immediate family in the landslide.
Many survivors sobbed when they spoke with the PM, and after hearing their narrative, the prime minister also became deeply moved.
PM Modi was also observed comforting kids, adults, and ladies.
One of the 16-year-old boys who spoke with PM Modi was Hani, a youngster who had lost eleven family members. He shed tears, too, when he met PM Modi.
The 11-year-old Lavanya, who lost all of her loved ones, was also introduced to PM Modi. He consoled the victim by laying his hands on her head, a gesture that touched everyone present.
“He asked me in detail about things and how people have faced the tragedy. I told him that they were being given counselling sessions as most of them were still in shock. Then the PM asked if there were adequate counsellors. I responded in affirmative,” said Dr Charlie, who was present and got to interact with the PM.
PM Modi also visited a nearby hospital and spoke with the patients. He spent time with Avanthika, an eight-year-old who, except for her grandma, has lost all family members.
“I have only seen PM Modi on TV. He asked me about the incident, and I told him whatever happened since July 20. He also asked me about my requirements, to which I kept mum,” Avanthika said.
The Prime Minister also spoke to Arun, who, on July 20th, struggled for over six hours in deep mud but finally managed to escape.
PM Modi also spoke to a lady doctor from Orissa, Sukyarth, who had come on a holiday with her husband when tragedy struck on July 30th.
Sukyarth’s husband, also a doctor, was too washed away and remains missing.
PM Modi will also chair a review meeting to assess the situation and the effectiveness of the relief measures. The meeting will be attended by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and other officials. The aim of the meeting is to ensure that all necessary steps are being taken for the rehabilitation of the affected areas.
The PM will return to Kannur and then to Delhi in the evening.
Earlier, PM Modi landed at the Kannur airport, where he was received by the Kerala Governor, Chief Minister, and top central and state government officials.
On July 30, a landslide hit the Wayanad, leaving 416 dead and over 150 missing.
–IANS
