NEW DELHI: Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday appealed to UDF workers, party functionaries and the public to extend all possible support to relief efforts while strictly following the administration’s guidelines, saying rescue operations were underway to save those still trapped in the landslide-hit area. In a post on X, Priyanka said rescue operations were being closely monitored and coordinated by the state administration, with police, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and civil defence volunteers deployed at the site.“I appeal to UDF workers, functionaries and members of the public to provide all possible support while strictly following the administration’s guidelines. At a time like this, we need to ensure that relief and rescue efforts are not hampered and we ensure all possible help without causing any distractions,” she said.“All efforts are on to rescue those still trapped in the landslide. Respected CM, Shri. V D Satheesan is monitoring relief efforts himself, the police and NDRF have been at the site for some time, SDRF teams and civil defence volunteers have also reached. We are all coordinating with the District administration, ministers T Siddique and AP Anil Kumar who are on their way from Thiruvanantapuram, local party functionaries and concerned agencies,” she added.She added that ministers T Siddique and AP Anil Kumar were on their way from Thiruvananthapuram to oversee relief work alongside district officials and local functionaries. Expressing solidarity with the affected families, Priyanka said, “My deepest condolences to those who have lost precious family members, we will be by your side through this terrible time and give you every support possible. Our prayers and hope for those who have still not been found, may they stay strong while rescue efforts attempt to reach them and may their loved ones who wait for them have courage at this painful moment.“Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha also expressed condolences and appealed to “Congress and UDF workers to extend any assistance in this time of need.”“The news of the landslide in Wayanad is deeply distressing. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected. Relief and rescue operations are underway, and every possible effort is being made to reach those still trapped. I appeal to all Congress and UDF workers to extend any assistance in this time of need. Wayanad has shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity before, and together, we will stand by every affected family through this tragedy,” he said.At least two people were killed after a landslide struck Wayanad, triggering a large-scale rescue operation in the district. Kerala home minister Ramesh Chennithala directed the fire force chief and the Wayanad district police chief to intensify rescue efforts as teams worked to reach those feared trapped under the debris.
