Rahul, Priyanka's Visit to Landslide Hit Wayanad Delayed Amid Bad Weather Conditions

New Delhi: Amid worsening conditions in Kerala's Wayanad, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi have postponed their visit to the landslide-hit region due to adverse weather conditions. The brother-sister duo was scheduled to visit the district today. As the visit has been postponed no further details have been provided. 

Gandhi Assures Support

Following the landslide havoc in Kerala's hilly region, Rahul Gandhi assured the people of Wayanad that they would visit soon in a Post on X. He wrote "Priyanka and I were scheduled to visit Wayanad tomorrow to meet with families affected by the landslide and assess the situation. However, due to incessant rains and adverse weather conditions, we have been informed by 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," he added.

On Tuesday, several landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall, wreaked havoc in Wayanad. More than 140 people were killed amid the disaster resulting in swollen water bodies, destroyed houses, and left hundreds of people stranded.

Army's Rescue Efforts

The Army deployed for rescue operations, managed to save about 1,000 people using a temporary bridge after the permanent structure was washed away by the torrential downpour.

In the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi asked the Centre government to extend full support for the rescue and rehabilitation efforts in Wayanad. He also requested increased compensation for the families of those who lost their lives in the landslides.

The Leader of the Opposition also spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Wayanad district collector to get updates on the situation in the district.

Expressing his sorrow over the tragic landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad, Rahul tweeted, "My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon."

He also mentioned, "I have spoken with the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad district collector, who assured me that rescue operations are ongoing. I have requested them to coordinate with all agencies, set up a control room, and let us know if any assistance is needed for the relief efforts."

Following Rahul's vacating the Wayanad Lok Sabha seat, his sister Priyanka Gandhi is expected to contest the by-polls in Wayanad whenever they take place. In a post on X, Priyanka also shared that due to extreme weather conditions, they couldn't visit Wayanad but their hearts are with the people of the district.