FRIDAY AUGUST 2, 2024 INDIA THIS WEEK 1 A W e e k l y N e w s p a p e r Fe a t u r i n g N e w s & Tr e n d s f r o m t h e I n d i a n S u b - C o n t i n e n t P u b l i s h e d f r o m t h e U S C a p i t a l Website: www.indiathisweek.online Vol 33 No: 31 WASHINGTON DC • Phone: 301-445-0200 /301-445-3543/301-917-4800 • email: indiathisweekads@gmail.com • Friday August 2, 2024 Wayanad landslides: 178 people reported dead; 3,069 people are in relief camps Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], July 31 (ANI): The death toll in the Wayanad landslide tragedy climbed to 178 on Wednesday,, with several injured and trapped, according to the State Health Department. Relief and rescue operations are underway in Wayanad’s Chooralmala after a landslide broke out yesterday. The massive landslide wreaked havoc in the region as houses and roads were damaged, trees uprooted and water bodies swelled, hindering rescue operations. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the national flag is at half-mast at the Kerala Legislative Assembly as a two-day mourning period is observed in the state following the Wayanad landslide that claimed 178 lives. On Tuesday, Union Minister George Kurian reached Wayanad to take stock of ongoing relief operations, where he interacted with senior officials of the NDRF, CRPF and Army officials. He also visited a relief camp at Kalpetta at 11 pm. “ R e a c h e d Wayanad hit by a massive landslide and took stock of relief ops. Interacted with senior officials of NDRF, CRPF and Army officials. Visited a relief camp at Kalpetta at 11 pm,” Kurian wrote in a post on X. N D R F Commander Akhilesh Kumar has said “We rescued injured victims from Mundakkai village yesterday. We fear victims might be trapped in collapsed buildings... Till 10 pm last night, we rescued 70 people, after which we had to stop because of bad weather and rain... Since many teams are working, we cannot give an exact number of deaths, because we only know about the dead bodies our team has recovered... People have been given shelter in a resort and a mosque on the other side of the river. Since rainfall is going on, there are chances of another landslide.” Meanwhile, in reports just coming in, Kerala health Minister Veena George’s vehicle met with a minor accident near Manjeri in Malappuram district. She was travelling to Wayanad. No major injuries were reported to either the health minister or her staff. The Health Minister is being treated at Manjeri Medical College Earlier, in response to the landslide in Wayanad, Veena George visited the Health Department Directorate to assess the ongoing arrangements. She provided a detailed overview of the situation and instructed for precise tracking of available hospital beds in the affected LANDSLIDE SEE PAGE 6 ENDS SEPTEMBER 3 SOMETIMES DRIVER’S SIDE BEATS POOLSIDE LEXUS.COM Soak up Summer from behind the wheel at the Golden Opportunity Sales Event. Don’t let the season slip away without finding your dream Lexus. But hurry—the offers on select models won’t last. ©2024 Lexus, a Division of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
August 2, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK SHETH VILLA OCCASION OASIS The perfect venue for meetings, birthdays, weddings, baby showers, parties, special celebrations, and more! A perfect get away that still feels like home. At Sheth Villa, you can host wide variety of events, have a relaxing staycation, and much more! AIRBNB LINK: airbnb.com/h/shethvilla Email: pritinina65@gmail.com ETH VIL Follow us on: Sheth Villa Holiday Home LA SH Contact: (301)434-3029 H Mart Partners with Uber Eats to Boosts Customer Convenience San Francisco, CA, July 23, 2024: Today, Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) announced the start of a new partnership with H Mart, the nation’s leading Asian supermarket. This partnership emphasizes H Mart’s commitment to driving innovation and convenience, allowing customers across the US to enjoy the best of Asian groceries by having authentic ingredients delivered straight to their door. Over 78 stores will kick off the partnership that allows H Mart customers to use on-demand and scheduled delivery from the Uber Eats app. “H Mart is well known for being America’s premier Asian food destination and I’m excited Supreme Court rejects plea seeking review of VVPAT-EVM verification verdict New Delhi [India], July 30 (ANI): Supreme Court has dismissed a petition seeking review of its judgement rejecting plea for 100 per cent verification of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) votes with their Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips. A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta dismissed the review petition, saying no case for review of the April 26 judgement is made out. “We have carefully perused the review petition, as also the grounds in support thereof. In our opinion, no case for review of the judgement dated April 26, 2024 is made out. The review petition is, accordingly, dismissed,” the bench stated in its July 25 order. The review petition filed by Arun Kumar Agarwal contended that there are mistakes and errors apparent in the April 26 judgment. The review petition had stated, “It is not correct to state that the result will be unreasonably delayed (by tallying EVM votes with VVPAT slips) or the manpower required will be double of that already deployed... Existing CCTV surveillance of counting halls would ensure that manipulation and mischief do not occur in VVPAT slip counting.” The petitioner had sought a review of the April 26 judgement by which it declined the petitions which sought cross-verification by the voters of votes cast by them as “counted as recorded” in the EVMs with VVPAT. However, in the review petition, the petitioner stated, “Electronic voting machines do not allow voters to verify that their votes have been accurately recorded. Furthermore, given their very nature, electronic voting machines are especially vulnerable to malicious changes by insiders such as designers, programmers, manufacturers, maintenance technicians, etc.” “Therefore, in light of the above, there are apparent errors on the face of the impugned order dated April 26, 2024, and the impugned judgement, is liable to be reviewed,” it added. In its judgement on April 26, the apex court also rejected petitioners’ prayer to revert back to the paper ballot voting system. The verdict of the top court came on petitions that sought crossverification by the voters of votes cast by them as “counted as recorded” in the EVMs with VVPAT. Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Arun Kumar Aggarwal, among others had filed petitions in the top court seeking more extensive verification of EVMs data against VVPAT records. (ANI) to welcome them to Uber. Our customers across the US will now have access to H Mart’s line of Asian foods across the country,” says Beryl Sanders, Director of U.S. Grocery & Retail partnerships at Uber. “We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with Uber, which will enable us to offer a seamless and convenient delivery experience for our customers. This collaboration enhances our commitment to providing quality products with the ease of doorstep delivery, making shopping at H Mart even more accessible,” said H Mart’s President Brian Kwon. In addition to H Mart being available for orders made through the Uber Eats app, the partnership will also unlock same-day delivery from HMart.com powered by Uber Direct. Uber Direct enables businesses to tap into Uber’s reliable courier network to offer on-demand local delivery for sales made through their owned channels. Since launching grocery in July 2020, Uber has seen consistent growth in the U.S. for its grocery category through partnerships, including the Albertsons Companies, Meijer, Kroger, Sprouts Farmers Market, SpartanNash, Hy-Vee, and more regional and national favorites. In the U.S. and around the world, Uber has moved beyond prepared food to offer grocery, convenience, alcohol and retail selection in 30+ countries and is uniquely poised to meet consumer demand for effortless delivery. Globally, more than 150 million people use the Uber platform to place an order or take a trip each month. About Uber Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 42 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities. Uber Media Contact: press@uber.com About H Mart H Mart is the largest international supermarket chain in America, originally renowned as the pioneer of Asian food in America. Starting in 1982 with its first store opening in Woodside, Queens, H Mart has grown to include more than 100 stores across 18 different states; including five modern warehouse centers, processing facility and in-house integrated marketing with well over 6,000 employees. As America’s premier food destination, H Mart offers a full upscale line of Asian foods as well as a broad range of everyday essential groceries to complement its fullscale offering to that of a traditional supermarket. H Mart is dedicated to serve the immediate surrounding communities as well as a broad range of multicultural customers. H Mart’s success is due to a continuous commitment to the freshest ingredients in all its tasteful offerings, all the while never forgetting the importance of value. H Mart’s efficient procurement enables H Mart to achieve a high level of purchasing power, offering customers products at competitive prices. H Mart strives for the highest level of service and continuously works hard for customer satisfaction H Mart Media Contact: marketing@hmart.com
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August 2, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Delhi: Students protest against MCD, IAS coaching institute after basement flooding claims three lives New Delhi [India], July 28 (ANI): Irate students are protesting against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the management of an IAS coaching institute in West Delhi’s Old Rajender Nagar, where three students lost their lives after the basement was flooded with water. Three students died in the basement of the popular IAS coaching institute yesterday, police said. Yuvraj, a UPSC aspirant, criticised both the MCD and the coaching institute for negligence, stating, “MCD is responsible... they did not ensure safety measures. Both MCD and RAU’s IAS are at fault, they should be held jointly liable. We have been protesting since last night but no higher authority has spoken to us yet. We expect that the death toll may be higher,” Yuvraj told ANI. Another UPSC aspirant, Ankit Bhadana, expressed concern about trapped students, saying, “Approximately 20-25 students are trapped inside the old Old Rajender Nagar coaching institute where the incident took place and their whereabouts are still unknown... No official from RAU’s IAS has come forward to give any official statement yet. The government also has not yet spoken to any of the students,” Ankit Bhadana told ANI. Addressing safety concerns, another UPSC aspirant stated, “Our demand is that action should be taken against those responsible for this negligence. All these operations in the basement are illegal and lack safety measures. Action should be taken.” Another UPSC aspirant, Aman Shukla emphasized that the “illegal” operation of libraries in basements should be stopped. “We demand that firstly, all these illegally operating libraries in basements be shut down. MCD should address the issue immediately. Last time when it rained, cars were floating. In one year, they haven’t done anything... no senior official has visited this place till now,” Shukla said. Another student protesting against the MCD also highlighted the issue of basement safety, “80 per cent of libraries here are in basements. Water accumulates within 10 minutes of rainfall. MCD has not taken action on this.” Responding to Minister Atishi‘s order for a magisterial inquiry, another protester said, “We want someone from the government to take responsibility for the students who lost their lives. How are they improving anyone’s future by tweeting or writing from their AC rooms?” Another student criticised the response to the incident, “MCD calls it a disaster but I say this is negligence. Knee-deep water gathers in half an hour of rain. My landlord has been asking the councillor for days to clean the drain... Our immediate demand is transparency in the number of injuries and deaths.” Expressing frustration, a student remarked, “I think the main culprits here are the MCD and the institute’s director who neglected students’ interests.” Meanwhile, the police have registered a criminal case and are investigating the incident. “The unfortunate incident took place at one coaching centre at Old Rajendra Nagar, at the conclusion of search and rescue operations, 3 dead bodies were recovered. Their families have been informed. The case has been registered & the investigation is underway,” Delhi Police said in a post on X. Earlier, Deputy Commissioner of Police Central, M Harshavardhan said, “We have registered a criminal case. Our forensic teams are here. The process of collecting forensic evidence is underway. We are committed to registering a strong case and finding out the truth. Two people have been detained so far.” “The NDRF has recovered three bodies till now. These have been sent for further legal action. The water is being pumped out continuously. One final round of search operations is pending. The operation is moving towards a conclusion. Some trapped students have been rescued and three of them have been sent to the hospital. Other than the three dead bodies, 13 to 14 others were rescued and they are fine,” DCP Harshavardhan said. Delhi BJP Chief Virendra Sachdeva called for an inquiry into the Old Rajender Nagar incident. “There should be an inquiry into the corruption of Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi and their government. Delhi Municipal Corporation’s corruption should be inquired. There should be an inquiry as to why the drainage was not cleaned. Will they order an inquiry into this?” Sachdeva said. (ANI) Delhi Police detains owner, coordinator of IAS coaching centre after basement flooding kills three students New Delhi [India], July 28 (ANI): Delhi Police on Sunday detained the owner and coordinator of the IAS coaching centre, where three students lost their lives after the basement of the institute was filled with water, a senior police officer said. D e p u t y Commissioner of Police (DCP) Central, M Harshavardhan also said that the police have registered a case against the coaching institute, the management of the building, and those responsible for the maintenance of the drain at that location. “Case registered under sections 105, 106 (1), 115 (2), 290 and 35 of BNS. This case is against the coaching institute and the management of the building and those who were responsible for the maintenance of the drain of that place...so far we have detained the owner and coordinator of that coaching centre...further investigation underway” DCP Harshavardhan told ANI. The police identified the victims of Delhi’s Old Rajender Nagar coaching centre incident as Shreya Yadav, a native of Ambedkar Nagar district of Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana; and Nivin Dalwin, a resident of Kerala’s Ernakulam. “Rescue operations were launched, along with Delhi Police and Delhi Fire Service, NDRF was also involved. By the end of the search and rescue op...3 bodies were recovered from the basement. All 3 of them have been identified and the family members have been informed.” Police have sent their bodies to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RML) for an autopsy. Earlier in the day, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma assured protesting students that the police would conduct a thorough investigation and take necessary action. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma while addressing protesting students, said, “Three people have died. Why will we hide anything? We assure you that we will do whatever is legally possible. The investigation is on.” The students were demonstrating against the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the management of the IAS coaching institute, demanding action over the deaths of three students. Meanwhile, former Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chief Swati Maliwal has alleged corruption in the operation of illegal basements in the city. “Who will take responsibility for the deaths of three students due to drowning in the basement? Students reveal that they had been demanding drain cleaning repeatedly for ten days, but no action was taken. How can illegal basements operate without corruption? How can extra floors be added? How can encroachments on roads and drains occur without bribes? It is clear that there is no need to follow safety rules, just pay money, and the work gets done,” Maliwal said in a post on X. “Just sit in AC rooms every day and conduct ‘Important Press Conferences’. They are not ready to work on the ground. Haven’t they learned anything from the deaths due to electric shocks in Patel Nagar a few days ago?” she added in the post. Notably, the Old Rajender Nagar incident comes days after a UPSC aspirant was electrocuted on a waterlogged Delhi street.(ANI)
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August 2, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK Wayanad landslides: 143 people reported dead; 3,069 people are in relief camps LANDSLIDE PAGE 1 FROM areas, as per the Kerala Health Minister’s Office. Minister George also recommended setting up temporary hospitals if necessary and emphasised the need to evaluate the mortuary systems at existing hospitals, including the utilization of mobile mortuaries. She also reviewed the operations of the control room, which will function 24/7 to assist both health workers and the public, Kerala Health Minister’s Office. On Tuesday morning, two massive landslides that washed away the Mundakkai and Chooramala areas of Vellarimala village took place under Meppadi Panchayat in Wayanad. The landslides destroyed several houses, uprooted trees and made water bodies swell, hampering the rescue work. Meanwhile, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), “Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely to occur at isolated places in Kerala on July 31 and August 1.”‘ The weather department has predicted heavy rainfall for August 2. Additionally, it said, “Strong surface winds with speeds reaching 30-40 gusting to 50 kmph are likely to prevail occasionally over Kerala on July 30 and 31.” The first landslide occurred at 2 am on July 30, followed by another at 4:10 am, causing immense damage to homes and livelihoods. Many areas, including Meppadi, Mundakkai and Chooralmala, have been isolated, and roads have been washed away. The Vellarmala GVH School was completely buried. Late on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a highlevel meeting to expedite the rescue operations at the landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad. The meeting was held at the Kerala SDMA office From The Poet’s Pen INDIA THIS WEEK- July 26, 2024 My Inner Life By Robert William Service ‘Tis true my garments threadbare are, And sorry poor I seem; But inly I am richer far Than any poet’s dream. For I’ve a hidden life no one Can ever hope to see; A sacred sanctuary none May share with me. Aloof I stand from out the strife, Within my heart a song; By virtue of my inner life I to myself belong. Against man-ruling I rebel, Yet do not fear defeat, For to my secret citadel I may retreat. Oh you who have an inner life Beyond this dismal day With wars and evil rumours rife, Go blessedly your way. Your refuge hold inviolate; Unto yourself be true, And shield serene from sordid fate The Real You and included discussions on enhancing operations through collaboration with various central agencies & forces. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has offered assistance after 93 people died and 128 were injured following massive landslides in Wayanad. “Upon learning of the disaster, both the Prime Minister and Rahul Gandhi, along with various party leaders, have offered their assistance. They have assured us that we will work together to address this crisis,” he said. The chief minister said that the state government has arranged the best possible treatment for the injured, adding that several people are still trapped under the debris and rescue operations are underway. “Many people are still trapped under the debris. We have opened 45 relief camps in Wayanad and a total of 118 camps across the state, accommodating 5,531 people. The fire force, NDRF, and police are working together. Various divisions of the Army and Navy are coordinating the rescue operations,” he added. Elaborating about the relief operations, said, “321 members of the Fire Force have been deployed in Wayanad. The services of the Army have also been made available. An NDRF team of 60 members has reached Wayanad, and an 89-member team from Bengaluru is on the way”. Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grief over the deaths saying that the landslide incident in Wayanad is a heartwrenching disaster. “Additional Kaniv 108 ambulances have been brought in. 3,069 people are in relief camps in Wayanad alone. Five ministers are coordinating the efforts. Due to adverse weather conditions, people were relocated, and an orange alert was declared. A dog squad will be arriving for the rescue operations,” he said. Furthermore, he INDIA THIS WEEK Phone: 301-445-0200; 301-917-4800 www.indiathisweek.online India This Week is published every Friday by ADV Solutions Inc, Views expressed in this paper are those of the individual writers and not necessarily of India This Week. India This Week accepts no liability for the errors in advertisements or in any of its reports. For remedial actions any errors should be brought to the attention of the editor by the information provided below. Publisher: Chief Editor: Contributing Editors: Dr. Babu Stephen Rajan George Saju Mathew Isaac George Asst. Editors: Manu Jacob Sherena Panjikkaran Special Business Correspondent Elisha B. Pulivarti Business Coordinators Rajan C. George Jithu Johny Panjikkaran Dr. Renuka Misra, Special Correspondent: Geeta Goindi Community Coordinator: Prof. Vinod Goel India Office Manesh Krishna Columnists: Anadi Naik World Religions Dr. Sam Prasad Jillella Photo Journalist: Mathew Karmel, System Admn. & Maintenance: Rajan C. George Layout & Graphics: Prinston Samuel, Business Affairs: Mrs. Molly George CALL US • 301-445-0200 • 301-917-4800 e-Mails: Advertisements: indiathisweekads@gmail.com Press Releases: indiathisweekpress@yahoo.com Web: www.indiathisweek.online informed that senior NDRF personnel are coordinating the rescue operation in the area.”The IG of the Northern Range, DIG, and the Additional DG of Law and Order will coordinate the operations,” said CM. “Steps have been initiated to deliver food and essential supplies. Two vehicles carrying 20,000 litres of drinking water will arrive at the disaster area. Health workers currently on leave are instructed to return to duty immediately. Nothing can replace the loss of loved ones or possessions, but we must extend our support and lift those affected, ” he added. In the wake of the landslides in Wayanad, the CM urged people to come together to aid those suffering. “More assistance is needed to rebuild the region. I urge everyone to contribute to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) and provide support. Those who can should make donations. The arrival of unnecessary vehicles is causing significant blockages and must be strictly avoided. Everyone must be prepared to cooperate,” he said. “The local administration has been directed to ensure that drinking water, food, and other essentials are provided to those in the camps. The IG of the Northern Range, DIG, and the Additional DG of Law and Order will coordinate the operations. Everyone must avoid situations where people are merely spectators at disaster sites. Control rooms have been established under various government departments. I have instructed that officials in essential services be prepared and on standby due to the heavy rain conditions.” CM further requested the public not to visit the disaster sites merely as spectators and said, “Media persons in the disaster area should exercise caution and ensure they do not hinder the rescue operations. Everyone must avoid situations where people are merely spectators at disaster sites. Control rooms have been established under various government departments. I have instructed that officials in essential services be prepared and on standby due to the heavy rain conditions.” “Steps have been initiated to deliver food and essential supplies. Two vehicles carrying 20,000 liters of drinking water will arrive at the disaster area. Health workers currently on leave are instructed to return to duty immediately.” Informing about the donations in the Chief Minister Distress Relief Fund, CM said, “Kerala Bank has already contributed Rs50 lakh to CMDRF. The Chief Minister of Sikkim has pledged Rs2 crore, and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has promised Rs5 crore in aid. In response to the disaster in Wayanad, the state has declared two days of official mourning. Public events and celebrations have been postponed. We request that the national flag be flown at half-mast as part of the mourning period.” Union Minister of State George Kurian is heading to Wayanad to lead relief and rescue operations. On the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the minister will coordinate with National Disaster Relief Force personnel, paramilitary forces, Kerala Government officials and other agencies in the operation. Kerala Forest Minister Saseendran reached the affected area to assess the damage and coordinate immediate response measures. State Minister Ramachandran Kadannappalli is expected to join the efforts on the ground. Remember: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ” JESUS CHRIST
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August 2, 2024 Friday INDIA THIS WEEK 225 Army personnel deployed for rescue operations in Wayanad following landslides, More than 158 deaths reported Wayanad (Kerala) [India], July 31 (ANI): A total of 225 Army personnel have been deployed for rescue operations in Kerala’s Wayanad as landslides claim 178 lives, officials said in a statement on Tuesday. At least 178 people have died and several have been feared injured after massive landslides hit the Meppadi area in Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday. The statement said that the Army received a requisition for providing aid to civil authority on Tuesday morning. In response, the Army has mobilised four columns, including two columns ex 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and two ex the DSC Centre, Kannur. “Hundreds of people are suspected to have been trapped. The total strength of the Army deployed so far for the rescue operation is approximately 225 including medical personnel,” the statement read. The defence officials said that the Kerala State Administration has requisitioned rescue Columns of 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) MADRAS in response to the severe landslide in Chooralmala, Wayanad district. A team under the Second-in-Command along with a Medical Officer, two JCOs and 40 soldiers have mobilised to be deployed to aid in ongoing rescue efforts, they added. In the wake of the situation in Wayanad, a special control room has been set up by the district administration at the police headquarters in Thiruvananthapuram. The public can provide information to the 24-hour control room. The control room functions under the direct control of the state police chief. Phone numbers – 9497900402, 0471 2721566. The state police chief has directed the ADGP (law and order) to coordinate the operations. Police personnel from four and five battalions of the Kerala Armed Police and Malabar Special Police are en route to Wayanad. The North Region IG and Kannur DIG have been directed to lead the relief operations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased in the landslides. “The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad,” PM’s office said in a post on X. The post further said that the injured would be given Rs 50,000. PM Modi also spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected, he added. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed anguish over the situation and spoke to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector. “I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan gave directions to coordinate the rescue operations in Wayanad promptly following the devastating landslide. He announced that the entire government machinery is actively involved in the efforts, with Ministers overseeing and coordinating the operations.As per the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, landslides occurred in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk, at around 3.49 am on Tuesday. 250 members of the Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, NDRF, and Local Emergency Response Teams are carrying out the rescue operation in Wayanad’s Chooralmala. An additional team of NDRF are en route, the KSDMA said. The State Health Department has opened the district-level control room early in the morning. 8086010833 and 9656938689 can be contacted for emergency health services. “All hospitals, including Vaithiri, Kalpatta, Meppadi, and Mananthavadi hospitals, are ready. In the night itself, all the health workers had arrived for service. More teams of health workers will be deployed in Wayanad,” the Health Minister said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre after massive landslides hit Wayanad in the early hours of Tuesday as heavy rainfall continued in Kerala. The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased and the injured will be given Rs 50,000, a statement by the Prime Minister’s Office said. At least four people have been killed and several are feared trapped after massive landslides hit Wayanad. In a post of X, the Prime Minister said that he was distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad and the “Distressed the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” PM Modi posted on X. PM Modi spoke to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all help from the Centre. The Prime Minister also spoke to Union Minister Suresh Gopi about the prevailing situation, sources said. The PM also spoke to BJP President JP Nadda and asked him to ensure BJP karyakartas do whatever they can to assist in the relief efforts. The Prime Minister also spoke to Minister George Kurien about the landslides. According to WIMS Medical College, 48 people are under treatment and four bodies have been received by them so far. According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, landslides occurred in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk, at around 3.49 am on Tuesday. 250 members of the Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, NDRF, and Local Emergency Response Teams are involved in the rescue operation in Wayanad’s Churalmala. An additional team of NDRF has been directed to reach the spot immediately, the officials said. Two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17, and an ALH, will also be coordinating the rescue operations, the Chief Minister’s Office said. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan assured all possible rescue operations to be coordinated in the landslides in Wayanad. “Since the incident government systems have been working in a unified manner. Ministers will reach Wayanad and lead the activities,” the Kerala Chief Minister said in a statement. Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh killed in Tehran: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirms rajancg July 31, 2024 3 min read 4 Tehran [Iran], July 31
FRIDAY AUGUST 2, 2024 9 SALE ENDS AUGUST 31-2024 Opposition in Parliament demands to declare Wayanad landslides a national disaster New Delhi [India], July 30 (ANI): The members of Congress and Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) in Parliament on Tuesday demanded that the massive landslides that claimed 44 lives in Wayanad be declared a national disaster. CPI-M MP John Brittas sought assistance from the Defence, Home and Finance Ministries. Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar expressed concern over the loss of lives in Wayanad landslides. He said that the Central and state governments are taking necessary steps. Speaking in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister JP Nadda said that the central government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working proactively given the tragedy. He said that work was being done in coordination with the state government. “I would like to say this is a tragedy of not just Kerala alone, but the entire nation is concerned. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Government of India is working proactively and doing everything necessary for the relief work in Kerala. On behalf of the Government, I assure you that whatever is needed will be done. The PM spoke with the Kerala CM and assured him,” Nadda said. Nadda further said that support from central agencies for relief has reached the affected site. “Work is being done in coordination with the State Government. Right now, the primary thing is to recover the bodies and save those who can be saved. We should activate the Emergency Response System. All of that is being done,” he said. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said that he would request the Home Ministry to make a detailed statement in the House after getting details. He said that MoS George Kurien was sent early morning to Kerala by the Prime Minsiter to take stock of the situation. NDRF, SDRF, CAPF and armed forces have been deployed, he added. Kerala Minister MB Rajesh earlier confirmed the deaths of 44 people in the landslides that hit Wayanad’s Meppadi area in the early hours of Tuesday. Minister Rajesh said that 250 people have been rescued so far and were shifted to temporary shelters. He added that rescue operations are undertaken on a war footing. He said that the Chief Minister is closely monitoring the operation and has sent a team of ministers to Wayanad. The landslide has affected Meppadi, Mundakkal Town and Chooralmala areas and the state health minister said that the government has rushed rescue personnel, medical equipment and health workers to Vythiri, Mananthawadi, Kalpetta and Meppadi government hospitals. Kerala Chief Minister’s office said that a control room has been established to provide immediate relief and rescue assistance following the landslide at Chooralmala in Wayanad.To aid the Wayanad landslide relief efforts, the Department of Information and Public Relations (PRD), Kerala has opened district and statelevel media control rooms. These will operate 24/7 to provide official updates and announcements. The district control room, based at the Wayanad Civil Station, is supervised by Kannur and Kozhikode Deputy Directors and coordinated by Wayanad District Information Officer P Rasheed Babu. The contact number is 0483-2734387. The statelevel control room, located at the Secretariat, can be reached at 0471-2327628 or 2518637. (ANI)
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