Rahul, Priyanka Gandhi Rush To Wayanad To Assess Landslide Damage

On Thursday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra traveled to Wayanad to assess the aftermath of the devastating landslides that have claimed 256 lives, with many still missing.

The landslides, which struck the Mundakkai and Chooralmala areas of Wayanad in the early hours of July 30, have caused widespread destruction.

Rescue operations are being intensified, with political leaders actively discussing ways to mobilise financial aid for the region. The Indian Army has also ramped up its efforts, constructing a 190-ft-long Bailey bridge to connect the hard-hit areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala, aiming to expedite rescue operations.

Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi were originally scheduled to visit Wayanad on Wednesday, but their plans were delayed due to adverse weather conditions. Rahul Gandhi addressed the situation in a post on X on July 30, stating:

"Priyanka and I were scheduled to visit Wayanad tomorrow to meet with families affected by the landslide and take stock of the situation. However, due to incessant rains and adverse weather conditions, we have been informed by the authorities that we will not be able to land. I want to assure the people of Wayanad that we will visit as soon as possible. In the meantime, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide all necessary assistance. Our thoughts are with the people of Wayanad at this difficult time."

The Kerala Revenue Department has confirmed that 256 people have died due to the landslides, and according to the Department of Information and Public Relations (PRD) Control Room in Wayanad, 96 victims have been identified.

Among them are 77 men, 67 women, and 22 children. Post-mortem examinations have been completed on 166 bodies and 49 body parts, with 75 bodies already handed over to their families.

Rahul Gandhi, who won both the Rae Bareli seat in Uttar Pradesh and the Wayanad seat in Kerala, chose to represent Rae Bareli in the Lok Sabha.

However, he also secured a victory in Wayanad during the 2019 elections, defeating CPI-M candidate Annie Raja by a significant margin of 364,422 votes. Priyanka Gandhi is expected to contest the upcoming bypolls in Wayanad.