Two months after PM's visit and assurance, Wayanad disaster victims still wait for aid

Two months have passed since Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Wayanad in Kerala after a devastating landslide when he assured locals of financial assistance and comprehensive support for rehabilitation efforts.

However, as of today, no substantial aid has yet been disbursed to the victims, raising concerns and frustration among the affected communities.

Modi held a review meeting at the district collectorate where he expressed his commitment to ensuring that “no funds would be a hindrance” in the rehabilitation process, bringing a sense of hope to many who lost their homes and livelihood in the disaster. This was in August.

Wayanad hungry for Central aid

Despite these assurances, the eligible Central assistance has not materialized even 72 days since the deaths and destruction.

The prime minister said the funds would be allocated upon receiving a detailed report from the state government.

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Following this directive, the Kerala government submitted a proposal for an initial aid package of Rs 1,202 crore on August 17. Subsequently, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan flew to New Delhi on August 27 to present a comprehensive report detailing the needs of the affected areas.

Meagre allocation so far

Even after these efforts, no emergency assistance has been granted.

“The state has suffered a huge loss due to the Wayanad disaster. We had hoped for significant support from the Central government. But so far, no such substantial assistance has been provided. We requested an emergency relief fund of Rs 291 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund, in addition to the usual Central share. Of this, Rs. 145.6 crore was previously sanctioned. However, this is a routine procedure and not specific disaster-related aid,” said the chief minister in the Assembly.

The media storm

A controversy erupted when a section of the media misrepresented the estimation in the memorandum submitted by the government for the expense statement. The opposition and the BJP quickly jumped on the bandwagon, accusing the government of exaggerating the figures. The government later clarified the issue by releasing the memorandum, with the chief minister and the ruling CPI(M) coming down heavily on the media for acting against the interests of the state.

Also Read: Has Kerala 'inflated' Wayanad estimates in note to Centre?

The delay in aid has sparked outrage among residents and local leaders. Leaders of the Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF) point out that while Wayanad remains in limbo, other states have received substantial funds for disaster relief.

Centre favours other states

Recently, Gujarat was allocated Rs 600 crore while Andhra Pradesh and Telangana together received Rs 3,448 crore following their disasters. Assam and Sikkim were granted Rs 11,000 crore for their recovery efforts, and Bihar received Rs 11,500 crore aimed at disaster prevention.

In stark contrast, Wayanad has received a meagre Rs 145 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), which is typically allocated for such emergencies. The lack of adequate funding has left local officials and residents feeling neglected by the Central government.

“This is nothing but neglect on the part of the Union government. The survivors of the disaster are left with no choice but to take to the streets in protest,” said V Sivadasan, a CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member who inaugurated a sit-in protest by the victims the other day at Kalpetta in Wayanad.

Anger on the streets

The CPI(M) is planning statewide protests against the Union government’s indifference towards the state, citing the lack of funds allocated for Wayanad. The opposition Congress shares the same view, as the leader of the opposition made clear in the state Assembly.

While local authorities have identified suitable land for permanent rehabilitation of displaced families, they are unable to proceed without financial support from the Centre. The uncertainty surrounding aid distribution has led to heightened anxiety among those affected by the landslide.

People’s suffering continues

Many families are still living in temporary shelters and are struggling to meet basic needs. Moreover, there are fears that if by-elections are announced soon, any further decisions regarding funding may be delayed due to the model code of conduct. This adds another layer of complexity to an already precarious situation.

“We have a rented house to live in, and we are thankful to the government, but people like me have no work. How can we survive on the meagre free ration and Rs 300 from the government? We need permanent housing and jobs to sustain ourselves,” says Fatima from Chooralmala, who used to work as a grass-cutting labourer in the area.

Anger against Centre

“The prime minister’s visit was huge for us, and everyone thought that when he consoled that little girl in the hospital, he was sympathetic to us. Now we understand that due to the political animosity towards the Marxists and the Congress, the Union government will not take any action. We all should stand united as a state and fight for funds. I am no communist but for this cause, I will stand with them,” says Pradeepan, who lost several family members in the landslide and now lives in a temporary setup.

The ongoing delay in financial assistance has prompted widespread protests across Wayanad. Local leaders argue that timely financial support is crucial not only for rebuilding homes but also for restoring livelihoods that have been devastated by this natural disaster.

Wayanad cries for help

Community members have expressed their frustration through various platforms, urging authorities to prioritize their needs over political considerations. The sentiment among residents is clear: they require urgent help to rebuild their lives.

As discussions around disaster management and response continue at various levels of government, it remains imperative that Wayanad’s plight is addressed promptly. The affected communities are looking towards both the state and Union governments for tangible solutions that can alleviate their suffering and facilitate a return to normalcy.