PM Modi conducts aerial survey of landslide-hit Wayanad

Modi was accompanied by Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union of State for Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas, Suresh Gopi.

The Prime Minister conducted the survey in Chooralmala, Mundakkai and Punchirimattom in a helicopter from Kannur Airport to Wayanad at 11:15 am.

Landslides hit Chooralmala and Mundakkai regions of Wayanad on July 30 which left at least 400 people dead. At least 150 people still remain missing.

The Kerala government has already demanded Rs. 2,000 crore as an assistance from the Centre for the relief works and rehabilitation.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has appreciated the Prime Minister's visit to the landslide-hit area in the southern state, which is ruled by the Left-led coalition.

Gandhi said he was "confident" that the Centre will declare the Wayanad landslide as a "national disaster".

The former Wayanad MP posted on X, "Thank you, Modi ji, for visiting Wayanad to personally take stock of the terrible tragedy. This is a good decision.

"I am confident that once the Prime Minister sees the extent of the devastation firsthand, he will declare it a national disaster."