A devastating landslide struck Wayanad, Kerala, resulting in the tragic loss of over 150 lives, with more than 200 people still missing. The incident has left the community in shock and prompted an outpouring of support and condolences from across the region. Rescue operations are ongoing, with efforts focused on locating survivors and providing relief to those affected. The Kerala government has declared an emergency and is coordinating with various agencies to manage the disaster response.
Based on the reports from Hindustan times, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently expressed condolences and pledged support to Kerala following a devastating landslide in Wayanad that claimed over 150 lives. While Karnataka extended help to its neighboring state, criticism has mounted over the state’s inadequate response to several landslides within its own borders.
Landslides in Karnataka: Ankola
Over the past months, various parts of Karnataka have faced severe landslides, exacerbating the hardships of local communities. In Ankola, Shiruru, Sakaleshpura residents have suffered significant disruptions without adequate government assistance.
On July 16, 2024, a devastating landslide struck near Shirur in Ankola taluk, Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. Based on the reports from Suvarna News, the incident, which occurred amid heavy rains, resulted in significant damage and loss of life. The landslide swept away a tea stall, a gas tanker, and several people.
The rescue operations, involving the Navy, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local authorities, went on despite challenging weather conditions. The Uttara Kannada administration confirmed that seven bodies had been recovered, and the search continued for the remaining missing persons.
Political criticism amidst disaster
In the midst of such devastating incidents, the Congress government is being accused of playing politics. Central government minister H.D. Kumaraswamy visited the Ankola landslide location, which drew criticism from D.K. Shivakumar, who questioned the purpose of his visit. It took Chief Minister Siddaramaiah one week to visit the incident site, and his deputy CM questioned the visits of other officials. This political manoeuvering has further fueled public frustration over the government’s handling of the disaster as per the reports from Suvarna News.
Sakaleshpura landslide crisis
In Sakaleshpur taluk, the ongoing unscientific Yettinahole project has been blamed for landslides that washed away roads and caused the land to cave in by 80 feet. Villagers in Mallegadde, Kadumane, and Harle were left isolated as connectivity to Hobli and Taluk Headquarters was severed. The lack of prompt action and support from the government has left these communities in dire straits.
Additionally, in another event, the landslides caused substantial damage to the Sakaleshpura Bypass, part of the same highway. The rain-induced landslides led to the suspension of traffic as mud and debris made parts of the road impassable. This incident revealed issues with the construction quality and raised concerns about the ongoing infrastructure projects in the region.
As per the reports from The News Minute, on July 30, a significant landslide occurred on National Highway 75 in Doddathappale village near Sakaleshpura, Hassan district, Karnataka, burying two heavy vehicles and a car. Fortunately, motorists escaped with minor injuries and were promptly rescued and taken to hospitals. This landslide caused substantial traffic disruptions, with vehicles backed up for several kilometers for hours. The incident followed a similar landslide on July 18, which led the district administration to restrict vehicle movement in the ghats to daylight hours only. Additionally, on July 29, another landslide near Harle estate disrupted connectivity on the same highway, emphasizing the region’s vulnerability to such natural events during the monsoon season.
Contradictory actions: aid to Kerala
While the Karnataka government has pledged support to Kerala, the contrasting inaction within its own state has sparked outrage. On his official X handle, CM Siddaramaiah made multiple posts with regard to the tragedy. In one he wrote, “Deeply saddened by the catastrophic floods in Wayanad. My heart goes out to the affected families. Karnataka is committed to providing all possible help to Kerala in this challenging time. Let’s stand united and strong.”
Siddaramaiah even posted about deploying IAS officers to coordinate relief operations in Kerala.
This commitment to aid Kerala, highlights a stark disparity in the government’s response to disasters within its own territory.
Despite warnings from the central government about potential landslides, the Karnataka Congress government appeared to be least bothered and did not take proper action and precautions against the landslides that occurred in Sakaleshpura and Uttara Kannada districts. The government delayed responses after the landslides, failing to provide timely support and relief to the affected communities. Yet, they are now ready to help Wayanad as a first priority.
This delay in action has led to widespread criticism, with many feeling that the government is more focused on Rahul Gandhi’s constituency in Wayanad rather than addressing the urgent needs within Karnataka. The perceived preferential treatment has sparked a debate about the priorities and effectiveness of the state’s disaster response efforts.
