Kerala landslides: Stalin speaks to Pinarayi, donates Rs 5 crore for relief efforts

Chennai, Jul 30 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Tuesday spoke to his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan on the landslides caused by heavy rainfall, assured him of the state's full support in rescue and relief efforts and announced immediate dispatch of a team to assist the neighbour.

The Chief Minister directed Tamil Nadu authorities to release Rs 5 crore to the neighbouring state towards relief activities and tasked officials to send a rescue team to Kerala to assist it in its rescue and relief work.

Stalin, who spoke over phone to Vijayan, conveyed to him his condolences and sympathies over the loss of lives due to the natural disaster. He assured him that Tamil Nadu shall extend all necessary support, an official release here said.

The Tamil Nadu team would comprise 20 personnel from the state Fire and Rescue Services, 20 from the state disaster response force and 10 doctors and nurses.

They will work alongside Kerala rescue teams and the Chief Minister has directed the team to leave immediately for the neighbouring state, the release added.

The Tamil Nadu rescue team will be led by two senior IAS officials, G S Sameeran and Johny Tom Varghese.

The TN fire and rescue services personnel will be led by a joint director and the disaster response staff shall be headed by a police superintendent.

In a post on X, Stalin earlier said: "Deeply pained to learn about the massive landslides in #Wayanad and the consequent loss of priceless lives. I am given to understand that many people are still trapped in the area. I am sure the rescue operations that are in full swing will save them all. The government of Tamil Nadu is willing to extend any logistical or manpower support that may be needed in this hour of crisis to our brother state #Kerala. #WayanadLandslide. PTI