Early Warning System Helped in Minimizing Casualties, Says Union Home Minister
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, participated in debates in both houses of Parliament on the situation arising out of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. He expressed condolences to the victims and assured that the Modi government stands solidly with the people and government of Kerala in this crisis.
Shah highlighted the government’s proactive approach, citing the Early Warning System that forecasted the disaster seven days in advance. He emphasized that the Centre has left no stone unturned in rescue operations and is making every possible effort for relief and rehabilitation.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah revealed that the Centre had issued an early warning to the Kerala Government on July 23, seven days prior to the landslide disaster. Subsequent warnings were also sent on July 24 and 25. On July 26, the Kerala Government was specifically alerted to expect heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm, with a high risk of landslides that could result in loss of life and property. Shah emphasized that had those criticizing the government taken heed of these early warnings, the situation could have been mitigated.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah disclosed that he had authorized the airlifting of nine NDRF teams to Kerala on July 23, 2024, in anticipation of the impending disaster. He questioned the Kerala government’s inaction in evacuating residents from vulnerable areas, despite the advance warning and deployment of central forces.”
The Minister also mentioned that the government has spent Rs 2,323 crore on Early Warning Systems since 2014, enabling India to forecast disasters seven days in advance, a capability only a few countries possess.
Shah urged the opposition to refrain from politicizing the issue, stating that many states have successfully utilized the Early Warning System to minimize casualties. He also announced that nine NDRF teams were airlifted to Kerala on July 23, in anticipation of the disaster, and three more battalions were dispatched later.
The Minister assured that the Narendra Modi government will continue to support the people and government of Kerala in this hour of crisis.
