Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 2
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday expressed grief over the loss of lives in rain-related incidents in Kerala and urged party workers to join relief efforts as flooding, landslides and other weather-related emergencies continued to affect several parts of the State.
The death toll from the latest spell of heavy rain has risen to 12, while several people have been injured or reported missing. Flooding of low-lying areas, swollen rivers and streams and landslides have disrupted normal life and road connectivity in several districts.
Rahul Gandhi, in a post on X issued when the official toll stood at eight, said he was deeply saddened by the devastation and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families. He expressed hope that those missing would be found safe and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He said the State government was making every possible effort to assist affected families and coordinate rescue, relief and recovery operations. Rahul urged Congress workers and volunteers to support the government’s efforts and extend assistance to people affected by the calamity.
He also appealed to residents, particularly those in landslide-prone hilly regions, to remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by the authorities.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, the Lok Sabha member from Wayanad, also expressed solidarity with rain-affected families and offered condolences to those who had lost loved ones. She prayed for the safe return of the missing and the speedy recovery of the injured.
Priyanka said the Congress-led UDF government was carrying out relief and rescue operations and called on Congress and UDF workers to provide all possible assistance to affected communities.
The fresh spell of extreme weather has revived memories of the devastating July 2024 Wayanad landslides, which struck Mundakkai, Chooralmala and nearby areas and killed hundreds.
Authorities have maintained heightened vigilance across vulnerable areas, urging residents to heed evacuation warnings and avoid unnecessary travel as relief and restoration operations continue.
