The catastrophic landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district have claimed 156 lives, with several hundreds more injured and trapped. The disaster has caused extensive destruction, including the obliteration of homes and roads, the uprooting of trees, and the overflow of water bodies. Rescue operations are underway, and every available resource is being mobilized.

RSS and Seva Bharati at the forefront of rescue operations

Amid this devastation, the selfless efforts of Swayamsevaks of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Seva Bharati volunteers have been crucial. These volunteers are actively assisting National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in locating the deceased, organizing food camps, and providing shelter to those who have lost everything. They are also facilitating the dignified last rites for the deceased, ensuring they are remembered even in death.

In addition, the RSS Swayamsevaks manage the safe transportation of injured people to hospitals, ensuring they get timely medical care. Besides, they also clean debris from blocked roads, allowing emergency vehicles to reach isolated and affected areas more swiftly. These volunteers also provide food and essentials for the injured in hospitals.

Seva Bharati’s mobile cremation system – Chitagni

Seva Bharti has deployed its mobile mortuary system, Chitagni, at Wayanad’s Churalmala to address the challenge of dignified disposal of the deceased. Traditional cremation practices are difficult for many economically disadvantaged families in Kerala due to limited space and resources. The mobile cremation unit, which operates on LPG, allows for the completion of cremation in about two hours, ensuring that families can honour their loved ones with dignity.

MP Rahul Gandhi absent in his former constituency

As Wayanad grapples with the destruction caused by massive landslides, RSS is helping the affected people. However, the Congress party’s ‘Jan Nayak’ and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and the party’s candidate from the seat, Priyanka Vadra, didn’t go there due to “incessant rains and adverse weather conditions”.

Priyanka Vadra wrote, “My brothers and Sisters in Wayanad, Even though we cannot come to Wayanad tomorrow, our hearts are with you at this tragic hour, and we are praying for all of you.”

It was reported that Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Vadra would visit the landslide-affected areas in Wayanad, but later they decided not to visit. Priyanka Vadra is the Congress party’s candidate for byelections from Wayanad after Rahul Gandhi chose to retain Rae Bareli after winning both seats in Lok Sabha polls.

While only the ‘thoughts’ and ‘hearts’ of Rahul and Priyanka are with the Wayanad people, the RSS volunteers are doing selfless service in the landslide district. This absence of Rahul Gandhi is particularly noteworthy given Gandhi’s history of vilifying the RSS. In the past, he has made controversial statements linking the organization to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s assassination repeatedly. He has also referred to the RSS as a “secret society,” painting a negative picture of the very organization whose members are now at the forefront of rescue efforts in his constituency.

The irony is not lost on observers, who note that while Gandhi tweets from afar, RSS Swayamsevaks and Seva Bharati volunteers actively engage in life-saving operations. These volunteers clear debris, coordinate the transport of the injured to hospitals, and provide essential supplies to those affected by the disaster.

As Wayanad grapples with this unprecedented crisis, the actions of various organizations and individuals speak louder than words. The RSS and Seva Bharati’s on-ground presence and tangible assistance highlight their commitment to service while raising questions about the effectiveness of political leadership in times of dire need.

PM Modi expresses condolences and extends support

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and assured Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan full support. The Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation package of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.

(Featured Image Source: The Commune Mag)