Wayanad Landslides Declared Severe Disaster, Aid Announced

Why in the news?

The Centre has declared the Wayanad landslides of July 30, 2024, a “disaster of severe nature,” enabling enhanced aid through the National Disaster Response Fund to support recovery, addressing significant loss of lives, injuries, and displacement.

Wayanad Landslides Declared Severe Disaster, Aid Announced

About the Tragedy:

  • Wayanad, Kerala, experienced devastating landslides on July 30, 2024.
  • Over 200 lives were lost, numerous people injured, and many displaced.
  • The event caused significant damage to infrastructure and communities.

Government’s Response

  • On December 30, the Union government declared the Wayanad landslides a “disaster of severe nature.”
  • The decision came after five months of review by the Union Home Ministry.
  • Additional aid through the National Disaster Response Fund has been promised to support relief and rehabilitation efforts.

Reactions and Next Steps

  • Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra welcomed the Centre’s move, calling it a “step in the right direction.”
  • Home Minister Amit Shah’s declaration ensures greater focus on recovery efforts for affected families and regions.
  • Authorities aim to expedite the process of financial assistance and disaster management to restore normalcy in the area.

Implications of Declaration

  • National-level support provided when disasters are declared severe.
  • Additional aid from NDRF; CRF corpus shared 3:1 between Centre and state.
  • Extra funds from NCCF, fully funded by the Centre.
  • Loan repayment relief and concessional loans for affected persons.

Impacts of Severe Disasters

  • Social: Life loss, displacement, increased vulnerability.
  • Economic: Infrastructure damage.
  • Environmental: Soil erosion, habitat loss.

Government Initiatives

  • Legislation: Disaster Management Act (2005), Environment Protection Act (1986).
  • Systems: Early warning tools, SDRF, NDRF for relief.
  • Technology: GIS, Remote Sensing for planning.

Sources Referred:

PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Hindustan Times