The devastating landslides in Wayanad district, Kerala have claimed over 300 lives as rescue operations continue for the fourth day. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has announced plans to build over 100 houses in Wayanad, while 40 teams of rescuers brave adverse weather conditions to search for survivors in six different zones of the affected areas. The joint teams consist of personnel from various organizations and include local volunteers as well.
Wayanad Landslide Tragedy: A Heartbreaking Loss of Lives
In August 2019, the picturesque district of Wayanad in Kerala, India, witnessed a devastating natural disaster that claimed over 300 lives. Torrential rainfall triggered landslides that wreaked havoc across the region, destroying homes, infrastructure, and leaving behind an unfathomable toll of human tragedy.
Background:
Wayanad is known for its lush greenery and pristine hills, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. However, the region is also prone to monsoon rains and landslides, especially during the months of June to September. In the days leading up to the tragedy, heavy rainfall had saturated the soil, creating a breeding ground for landslides.
The Landslides:
On August 8, 2019, a series of landslides hit Wayanad district. The most severe occurred in the town of Puthumala, where an entire hillside collapsed, burying several houses under tons of mud and debris. Other landslides were reported in the areas of Meppady, Nilambur, and Kalpetta.
Rescue Operations:
Rescue operations were immediately launched by the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities. Over 40 teams of rescuers, including local volunteers, braved heavy rainfall and treacherous terrain to search for survivors. Helicopters were used to transport injured victims to nearby hospitals.
Relief Efforts:
The government of Kerala迅速宣布救济措施,包括经济援助,住房重建,和心理咨询survivors. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and volunteers from across the country also joined hands to provide food, water, shelter, and other essential support.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers:
Q1: What caused the landslides in Wayanad? A: The landslides were triggered by heavy monsoon rainfall, which saturated the soil and weakened the slopes.
Q2: How many people died in the Wayanad landslides? A: Over 300 people lost their lives in the tragedy.
Q3: What was the government's response to the disaster? A: The Kerala government announced relief measures, including financial aid, housing reconstruction, and psychological support.
Q4: What are the past instances of landslides in Wayanad? A: Wayanad has a history of landslides, including a major event in 2018 that claimed over 40 lives.
Q5: How can we prevent similar tragedies in the future? A: Preventing landslides requires comprehensive measures, such as proper land use planning, slope stabilization, and early warning systems.
Conclusion:
The Wayanad landslide tragedy was a profound loss for the people of Kerala and India as a whole. The government and the community came together to provide support and relief to the survivors and to honor the memories of those who were lost. The lessons learned from this disaster will help shape future disaster preparedness and response efforts to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
In a historic first, India will host the International Cooperative Alliance's global conference and General Assembly, where Prime Minister Modi will launch the 'United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025'. The event will be held in New Delhi from November 25-30 and will see over 3,000 delegates, including esteemed guests from Bhutan and Fiji. Despite challenges, the event will showcase India's commitment to the global cooperative movement and highlight the importance of cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.
In a surprising turn of events, Kenyan President William Ruto has cancelled two major deals with India's Adani Group after its founder was indicted in the US for corruption. The deals, worth nearly $2 billion, included a 30-year lease for control of the country's main airport and a partnership to construct power transmission lines. Ruto cited "new information" from investigative agencies and partner nations as the reason for the cancellation, drawing thunderous applause from lawmakers in his state of the nation address. The move has sparked concerns about transparency and value for money in these deals, which have faced criticism from politicians and the public.
The Melanesian Spearhead Group Security Strategic Working Group, comprising representatives from all MSG member states, has successfully completed their sixth workshop meeting in Honiara last week. They have discussed the outcomes of their consultations with NGOs and CSOs in each member country, and agreed on the next steps to finalize the MSG Peace and Security Strategy. This is seen as a significant step for the sub-region in facing common threats, and the finalized report will be tabled at the upcoming Police Commissioner's and Police Minister's Meeting in Indonesia next year.
A video claiming to show Indian and Chinese armed forces chanting ‘Jai Shri Ram’ amid the recent disengagement at the Line of Actual Control in Ladakh has been circulating on social media. However, the truth is that the video is not recent and has been on the internet since January 2024. It was originally shared as footage of Indian Army personnel chanting the slogan after the consecration of the idol of Hindu deity Ram at Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir. A keyword search led to several news reports from January 2024, clarifying that the video is not recent and its authenticity has not been verified.
A group of foreign tourists in Vang Vieng, Laos fell ill after a night out on November 12th, possibly from drinking tainted alcohol. As of now, five deaths have been confirmed, including a British lawyer identified as Simone White and a young Australian woman. The Australian Prime Minister has expressed his condolences for the tragic loss of Bianca Jones and hopes for the recovery of her friend, Holly Bowles. Western government officials are supporting the families of the victims and urging caution for travelers in the popular backpacking destination.
Laishram Herojit, a low-level government worker, has appealed for the safe return of his family who went missing after an encounter between suspected Kuki insurgents and security forces in Manipur. Two women, including Herojit's wife, and an eight-year-old child are among the six people who went missing. Herojit has called for the release of his innocent family and has appealed to any group that may be holding them hostage to return them unharmed. He recalls getting a call from his wife during the violence, which later got disconnected, and a Bengali friend later informed him that they were taken away in a boat.
The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister, and two Hamas officials for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite rejection from Mr. Netanyahu's office, the court's decision highlights international concern over the 13-month war in Gaza and the 2023 attack on Israel. While the warrants may limit the suspects' movements, the practical implications are limited as Israel and the US are not members of the court.
Guyana's President Dr. Irfaan Ali, in a ceremony at the State House, conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi the country's highest civilian honour, the 'Order of Excellence'. Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, expressed his gratitude and dedicated the honour to India's 1.4 billion people. This recognition is a testament to India's strong commitment towards deepening friendship with Guyana and demonstrates the country's unbiased approach towards international relations.
As the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Guyana in 56 years, PM Modi's arrival marks a momentous occasion for the community. The Indian diaspora, which makes up over 40% of Guyana's population, eagerly awaits the world leader and shanti-doot who strives to unite the world and propel India into its golden age. PM Modi's visit marks a significant moment for the Indian community, deeply rooted in their traditions and eagerly showcasing their vibrant culture to welcome the Prime Minister. During this visit, PM Modi will also co-chair the second India-CARICOM Summit with the Prime Minister of Grenada, highlighting the importance of regional collaboration.
In a move to slow Russian advances in Ukraine, US President Joe Biden has approved the provision of anti-personnel mines to the Ukrainian military. This comes as reports state that North Korean troops have joined Russian marines and airborne units in battles throughout the country. The addition of anti-personnel mines marks a new level of assistance from the US in the ongoing conflict, with the mines being more deadly and longer-lasting than the previously provided anti-tank mines. Meanwhile, Ukraine's air defence units are actively working to repel a Russian air attack on the capital city of Kyiv.