Month: July 2024

Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, has cautioned all officers to remain alert in light of the ongoing heavy downpour in the national capital.

“Have cautioned all officers to remain alert in light of the ongoing heavy downpour in Delhi. Apart from ensuring minimum inconvenience to people in general, they are advised to specifically address issues at sites prone to waterlogging, including coaching centres,” Saxena posted on X.

Rain lashed several parts of Delhi and its adjoining National Capital Region (NCR) on Wednesday evening, providing relief from the humid weather. However, the downpour has resulted in traffic congestion throughout the city.

Due to the bad weather, Delhi witnessed 10 flight diversions reported between 7.30 pm and 8pm, according to airport sources.

Meanwhile, Air India issued an advisory warning that flights to and from Delhi may be affected due to the bad weather this evening. “Guests are advised to start early for the airport, as slow traffic and waterlogging may delay movement. Please check your flight status before heading to the airport,” Air India posted on X.

Traffic is affected on the Okhla Underpass in both carriageways from Crown Plaza towards Kalindi Kunj and vice versa due to water logging, said the traffic police.

“Traffic is affected on the Okhla Underpass in both carriageways from Crown Plaza towards Kalindi Kunj and vice versa due to water logging. Barricades have been installed at the entrance for the safety of the general public. Kindly plan your journey and use the alternative routes,” Delhi Traffic Police posted on X.

Traffic is also affected on Mathura Road in the carriageway from Apollo Hospital towards Neela Gumbad due to heavy water logging in the Ashram Chowk underpass. Commuters are advised to avoid the stretch, said the police.

A commuter, Sonu, said, “I am going to Safdarjung. Even if there is a little rain everything gets waterlogged. It becomes difficult to commute.”

“We are facing trouble. I have lost my phone in the water,” another commuter in the national capital said.

Salwan Station Mayur Vihar in East Delhi observed 119.0 mm rainfall from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM today, whereas station NCMRWF, Noida Sector 62 in Gautam Buddha Nagar, UP, observed 118.5 mm of rainfall.

Severe waterlogging was witnessed near AIIMS after incessant rainfall in the national capital.

Traffic jams were also witnessed in the ITO area of Delhi after rain lashed the city.

The IMD has cautioned that the showers are likely to cause slippery roads, low visibility, traffic disruptions, and localised waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Delhi’s average maximum temperature in July was 35.8°C, slightly above the long-period average (LPA). However, high humidity levels–over 50% on most days in July–led to a Heat Index (HI) or ‘real feel’ of 45.8°C, making it feel significantly warmer than the recorded maximum temperature, according to the IMD.

On Tuesday, Delhi recorded its highest maximum temperature for the month this year, with the mercury settling at 39.3 degrees Celsius, five notches above the season’s normal.

According to the IMD, intermittent showers are likely in Delhi till August 5. (ANI)

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Iran offered condolences on the killing of Hamas Political Bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in an attack in Iran’s capital, Tehran and stated that Mujahid’s death, who spent his life fighting against Israel, “will not go in vain.”

In a post on X, “The Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Nasser Kanaani has offered condolences and congratulations on the martyrdom of proud Mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement Hamas in Tehran.”

Haniyeh, who was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s president, was killed in an attack.

“Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, expressed condolences and congratulations to Palestine and its allies on the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, offered condolences and congratulations on the martyrdom of proud Mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement Hamas in Tehran, to the great and proud nation of Palestine, the Hamas movement and all Palestinian resistance factions, as well as all resistance movements and nations and states supporting the Palestinian cause,” according to the Iran Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Further, Kanaani noted that a probe is underway by the relevant Iranian institutions to find out the dimensions and details of the incident.

He said, “Undoubtedly, the pure blood of the indefatigable mujahid, who spent all his life in the honourable fight and struggle against the usurping Zionist regime and in the path of liberating Holy al-Quds and the oppressed Palestinian nation from the clutches of the Zionist occupiers, will not go in vain.”

Iran’s spokesperson said that the ‘martyrdom of our Mujahid brother will strengthen the close relationship between Iran and Palestine.

“The spokesperson of the Iranian diplomatic apparatus stressed, “The martyrdom of our Mujahid brother, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran, will reinforce the deep and unbreakable bonds between the Islamic Republic of Iran and dear Palestine and resistance,” the statement said.

Following this, Imam Sayyid Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, also shared a message on X on the killing of the Hamas leader and stated, “The criminal, terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our territory and has caused our grief, but it has also prepared the ground for severe punishment.”

Qatar also strongly condemned the killing and stressed that this killing and the reckless targeting of civilians will lead the region into chaos and undermine the chances of peace.

The Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs described this killing as a “heinous crime” and a violation of international and humanitarian law.

“The State of Qatar strongly condemns the assassination of the Head of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), Ismail Haniyeh, in the Iranian capital, Tehran, considering it a heinous crime, a dangerous escalation, and a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law,” the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in an official statement.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the assassination and reckless targeting of civilians will lead the region into chaos and undermine the chances of peace,” the statement added.

Further, the Ministry reiterated Qatar’s firm stance against violence, terrorism and criminal acts and expressed its condolences to the family of Ismail Haniyeh, his companion, as well as the State of Palestine and its people. (ANI)

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A total of 1,592 people have been rescued through extensive and coordinated rescue operations, he said.

“Rescue operations in Wayanad are continuing at full scale. This is an unprecedented and painful disaster.”

“So far, 144 bodies have been recovered- 79 men and 64 women. There are still 191 people missing. Efforts are being made to evacuate as many people as possible from the disaster area, and necessary medical treatment is being provided to those who have been rescued,” the Chief Minister said.

Responding to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s claim that the State did not heed the timely weather warnings given to it Vijayan said it was not a time for blame game.

“Media provides accurate warnings, and weather alerts are always taken seriously in the state. This is not the time for mutual accusations. The facts are clear to everyone. An orange alert was in place in the area where the disaster occurred. In the first 24 hours, 200 millimetres of rain fell. In the next 24 hours, 372 millimetres of rain fell. A total of 572 millimetres of rain was recorded over 48 hours exceeding the warning levels,” the Chief Minister said.

Vijayan said that no red alert was issued for the area before the disaster.

“A red alert was only issued at 6 am on the day of the disaster. The red alert was issued only after the landslide occurred. The severe weather warning and red alert were given on the morning of July 30, after the landslide. The Central Water Commission did not issue any flood warnings for the Punnappra River or Chaliyar River from July 23-29. This is the fact, the statements made in Parliament were factually incorrect,” the Kerala chief minister said.

Speaking in Rajya Sabha earlier on Wednesday, the Union Home Minister stated, “Early warning was given, that is why on July 23, we sent nine teams of NDRF and three more were sent yesterday. Had they become alert the day the NDRF teams landed, a lot could have been saved. But this is the time to stand with the government and the people of Kerala. Irrespective of the party politics, the Narendra Modi government will stand with the people of Kerala.”

“At the start of the monsoon season, Kerala requested the deployment of the NDRF teams as needed. Evacuating people from disaster-affected areas helped avert a larger catastrophe. No one anticipated another disaster occurring within 6-7 kilometres of the initial disaster’s epicentre. We should not place the blame on anyone. This is not about pointing fingers at each other. Instead, we need to take necessary measures to combat disasters caused by climate change,” Vijayan said today.

The Chief Minister said that the state cabinet meeting has raised the demand for the landslides “to be declared a national disaster.”

The Kerala Chief Minister convened a meeting in Thiruvananthapuram earlier today at the office of the Disaster Management Authority to take stock of the rescue efforts.

As per a decision taken during the cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister will reach Wayanad on August 1 morning to attend a state-level all-party meeting that has been convened for tomorrow.

“The cabinet meeting evaluated the situation. We are relocating tribal families and providing food to those who are not ready to move. A total of 1,592 people have been rescued through our extensive and coordinated rescue operations,” the CM said.

“Currently, there are 82 relief camps in Wayanad district, accommodating 2,017 individuals. In Meppadi, eight camps are housing 1,486 people from 421 families. Priority is being given to rescue operations in Mundakkai, and efforts are progressing well in Attamala and Chooralmala as well,” CM Vijayan said.

“Today, an additional 132 army personnel have arrived to support the rescue efforts. Two helicopters are also being utilized for the rescue operations. Post-mortems were conducted both yesterday and last night. A team of doctors from four cooperative hospitals, including those in Kozhikode and Thalassery, will also arrive to assist,” the Kerala chief minister added. (ANI)

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a ‘red alert’ for Uttarakhand. It predicted extremely heavy rainfall in several districts like Dehradun, Champawat, Haridwar, Nainital, Pauri Garhwal, Tehri Garhwal and Udham Singh Nagar.

Following the instructions of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Commissioner of Garhwal Division Vinay Shankar Pandey inspected disaster relief camps and disaster-affected areas in Tehri district on Monday.

Pandey visited Government Inter College Vinak Khal, Tingarh village, and Budhakedar, listening to the concerns of the affected residents. He held meetings with disaster-affected individuals and officials in temporary relief camps, assuring them of the government’s commitment to sensitive and effective disaster relief efforts.

Chief Minister Dhami emphasised that there should be no shortage of funds for disaster relief work. During his visit, the Commissioner reviewed the arrangements in the relief camps, instructing for power backup, television access, children’s education, and livelihood support.

Pandey directed the District Magistrate to make alternative arrangements for sheltering animals, provide fodder and water, and conduct a geological survey to identify land for the rehabilitation of Tingarh village.

The geological survey has been completed, and in-principle approval has been granted. The Commissioner also announced the approval of Rs 8 crore for road safety in Budhakedar, directing the Irrigation Department to initiate the tender process promptly.

Relief and rescue operations are ongoing in response to the heavy rains and landslides affecting the Bal Ganga and Budhakedar areas of the Bhilangana development block in Tehri Garhwal. Chief Minister Dhami received updates on the relief efforts on Sunday from MLA Shakti Lal Shah and Tehri Garhwal District Magistrate Mayur Dixit.

Dhami also directed the District Magistrate to immediately identify sensitive villages in the affected areas and relocate residents to safer locations. (ANI)

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Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi criticized the Modi government on Wednesday claiming that it has no intention to conduct the Census, which has been overdue since 2021.

She added that the failure to conduct the census will not only prevent an accurate estimate of the country’s population but also deny over 12 crore citizens, particularly from scheduled castes and tribes, benefits under the National Food Security Act.

While speaking at the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting held at in the national capital Sonia said, “It is clear that the Government has no intention whatsoever to conduct the Census that was last due in 2021. This will prevent us from having an up-to-date estimate of the population of the country, especially of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. It also means that at least 12 crore of our citizens are denied the benefit of the National Food Security Act of 2013 – now repackaged as PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana,” as per a statement issued by the All India Congress Committee.

Sonia Gandhi in her speech at the CPP meeting expressed Condolences to the families affected by the Wayanad landslide and other natural disasters.

“Let me first of all extend our deepest condolences to the families bereaved by the horrendous calamity that has overtaken Wayanad. The scale of devastation has been staggering. Our colleagues in the state have mobilised themselves to provide all assistance. There have been huge floods in other parts of the country as well and we extend our sympathies to the affected families. Apart from natural disasters, our people continue to lose their lives in railway accidents that are caused by mismanagement. Our thoughts are with these victims as well,” she said.

Speaking about the 2024-25 budget, Sonia Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for its handling of economic and social challenges, particularly concerning farmers and youth. She added, ” continues to be self-delusional as crores of families across the country are devastated by mounting unemployment and price rise.”

“Pressing demands of farmers and youth, in particular, have been ignored. Allocations in several vital sectors have not done justice to the tasks required to be fulfilled. There has been widespread disappointment, despite the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and others talking up the Budget and its so-called accomplishments. The Union Government, especially its top leadership, continues to be self-delusional as crores of families across the country are devastated by mounting unemployment and price rise,” she said.

Sonia Gandhi also criticized the state of the education system under PM Modi’s government, claiming shortcomings in competitive exams. She said these issues have crushed the hopes of many young people and harmed the integrity of institutions like NCERT, UGC, and UPSC.

“Education has been amongst the worst casualties in the past years. Instead of taking the nation forward, the entire educational system is being shown as flawed and manipulated. The exposure of how competitive examinations have been allowed has destroyed the faith of lakhs of youth and dealt their future a body blow. The professional character and autonomy of organizations like the NCERT, UGC and even of Constitutional bodies like the UPSC have been all but destroyed,” she said.

She also criticized the government’s handling of national security and terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the deaths of security personnel and a large number of civilians due to such attacks make a mockery of the Modi government’s claims that all is well in the state.

“There is deeply disturbing news in national security issues. Over the past few weeks, there have been at least eleven terror attacks in the Jammu region alone. There have been similar attacks in the Valley as well. Security personnel and a large number of civilians have lost their lives. This makes a mockery of the claims being made by the Modi Government that all is well in J and K. The situation in Manipur shows no sign of any improvement. The Prime Minister travels the world over, but steadfastly refuses to go to the state and take the initiative to bring about normalcy,” she said.

“In a few months, elections will be held in four states. We must sustain the momentum and goodwill that had been generated for us in the Lok Sabha elections. We must not become complacent and over-confident. The ‘mahaul’ does favour us, but we have to work unitedly with a sense of purpose. I dare say that if we perform well, reflecting the trend that we witnessed in the Lok Sabha elections, national politics will transform,” she said. (ANI)

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Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) authorities met with a group of students on Wednesday who are on a hunger strike protesting the deaths of three UPSC aspirants after the basement of a coaching centre in Central Delhi’s Old Rajinder Nagar was flooded with rainwater on Saturday, July 27.

While interacting with protesting students, MCD’s Additional Commissioner, Tariq Thomas, admitted that the incident was a ‘failure’ of the civic body officials.

“It is a failure for all of us and for me personally. It is a failure for us as officers that this incident has happened,” Thomas said, taking responsibility for the lapse.

He admitted that the officials should have performed their duties better, saying, “This should not have happened. We should have done our duty better; there is no excuse.”

A delegation of students was taken to the MCD commissioner’s office in a police bus for the meeting.

Protesting students said that they would not stop until their demands are not met.

Earlier, on Tuesday, students and representatives from 15 coaching institutions met Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena.

According to a student present at the meeting, they demanded Rs 3 crore in compensation for the families of the deceased students. While the coaching centre has not yet disclosed the compensation amount, they have agreed to provide it.

“Representatives of coaching institutes asked to make a bridge between the institute and students so they can pay the compensation money. LG sir assured us that a committee will be formed, where student representatives of coaching institutes and government officials will be part of the students, and the committee will check whether the norms of the buildings are being followed properly or not,” the student added.

In response to the incident, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued notices to the Delhi Chief Secretary, Police Commissioner, and MCD Commissioner on Tuesday, demanding a detailed report within two weeks. The NHRC also directed a survey to identify coaching centres operating in violation of norms and to take action against negligent officials who failed to address these irregularities. (ANI)

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India shuttler PV Sindhu marched into the Round of 16 of badminton women’s singles event after beating Kristin Kuuba of Estonia in the final Group M match at the ongoing Paris Olympics on Wednesday.

Sindhu dominated over Kuuba and won the match 21-5, 21-10 in a 34-minute contest at the La Chapelle Arena.

In the first game, Sindhu controlled the momentum and clinched a 21-5 win in just 14 minutes. Meanwhile, The Indian shuttler continued her form and won the second game 21-10 in 19 minutes.

PV Sindhu could potentially face the People’s Republic of China’s He Bingjiao in her upcoming Round of 16 match. Earlier in the Tokyo Olympics, Sindhu beat He Bingjiao to secure her bronze.

Earlier in Sindhu’s previous Group M match, the Indian shuttler began her quest for her third Olympic medal with a straightforward win against the Maldives’ Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq in the women’s singles event.

Sindhu displayed grit and confidence and restricted her opponent to single digits in both games. She began her campaign with a 21-9, 21-6 win in a game that lasted for 29 minutes.

In the hunt for her third Olympic medal, Sindhu didn’t waste any time in establishing her dominance. She used every inch of the badminton court to her advantage and lured her opponent into playing a loose shot.

This was the second time Sindhu and Razzaq had faced each other. The Indian shuttler breezed past the Maldives shuttler in their first encounter, and once again, history repeated itself in Paris.

The first game began with both shuttlers going neck-to-neck against each other. Sindhu took a point lead, and Razzaq fought back to level the scoreline.

The trend lasted till the scoreboard read 4-4. Sindhu upped her game and went on a spree, which saw her claim ten points in a row.

Razzaq eventually managed to break Sindhu’s 10-point spree, but the first game was almost out of her hands.

An angled flick from Sindhu, showcasing her class, made the scoreline 19-6 in her favour. Razzaq fought back, fighting hard for a late comeback by winning three consecutive points. An exquisite drop shot made the scoreline 19-9.

Sindhu eventually sealed the first game in 13 minutes with a scoreline of 21-9.

The second game was a similar story for the Maldives shuttler. She failed to overcome Sindhu’s technical prowess.

Within a blink of an eye, the Indian shuttler clinched three consecutive points before her shot was stopped by the net. This opened a window of opportunity for Razzaq to make a comeback and she exploited it to its best. She won three consecutive points, making the scoreline 4-3, leaving her just a point behind Sindhu.

However, the short-lived rallies didn’t do any favour for Razzaq as she eventually started to trail just like in the first set. Razzaq’s defence didn’t do her any favour, allowing Sindhu to seal the match following a 21-6 win in the second game. (ANI)

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Iran has responded angrily to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh the political bureau chief of the terror group Hamas in Tehran. Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran will defend its territorial integrity and dignity. He noted that the bond between Iran and Palestine will be stronger than before, Al Jazeera reported.

Haniyeh, who was in Tehran to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Iran’s President, was killed in an attack.

In a statement, Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian said, “Today, dear Iran is mourning its sharer of sorrows and joys, the constant and proud companion of the path of resistance, the brave leader of the Palestinian resistance, the martyr of al-Quds, Haj Ismail Haniyeh. Yesterday I raised his victorious hand and today I have to bury him on my shoulders. Martyrdom is the art of men of God. The bond between the two proud nations of Iran and Palestine will be stronger than before, and the path of resistance and defence of the oppressed will be followed stronger than ever.”

“The Islamic Republic of Iran will defend its territorial integrity, honour, dignity and pride, and make the terrorist occupiers regret their cowardly action,” he added, according to an Al Jazeera report.

Iran’s Supreme leader Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei offered condolences on the killing of Ismail Haniyeh. Taking to X, Khamanei’s office stated, “In the wake of the martyrdom of the great Mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political bureau of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas, Imam Khamenei extended his condolences for the martyrdom of this courageous leader.”

The Iranian Foreign Ministry offered condolences on the killing of Ismail Haniyeh. It said that the blood and sacrifices of Haniyeh would not be wasted. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kan’ani spoke about Iranian authorities’ ongoing investigations into the aspects of the targeted killing.

“Undoubtedly, the pure blood of this indefatigable combatant, who spent a lifetime in the fight and honourable struggle against the usurping Zionist regime and on the way to the liberation of al-Quds and the emancipation of the oppressed Palestinian nation from the clutches of the Zionist occupiers, will not be wasted,” the Iranian foreign ministry said.

The Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs also “strongly condemned” the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, terming it a heinous crime and flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law.

In a statement, the Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “The State of Qatar strongly condemns the assassination of the Head of the Political Bureau of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) Dr Ismail Haniyeh in the Iranian capital, Tehran, considering it a heinous crime, a dangerous escalation, and a flagrant violation of international and humanitarian law.”

It further said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stresses that the assassination and reckless targeting of civilians will lead the region into chaos and undermine the chances of peace. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates the State of Qatar’s firm stance against violence, terrorism and criminal acts, including political assassinations, regardless of the motives and reasons.”

The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the killing of Hamas Political Bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in an attack in Tehran and offered condolences to the Palestinian people.

In a statement released on X, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the Israeli government of lacking intention to achieve peace. It said that the attack was aimed at spreading war in Gaza to a regional level.

“The Netanyahu Government’s lack of intention to achieve peace has been demonstrated once again. This attack is also aimed at spreading the war in Gaza to a regional level. If the international community does not act to stop Israel, our region will face an even greater conflict,” the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov denounced the killing of Haniyeh, calling it “an unacceptable political murder,” according to a report by Press TV.

Bogdanov said, “This is an unacceptable political murder, and it will lead to further escalation of tensions,” Press TV reported, citing RIA state news agency. He said that the killing would have a negative effect on the course of ceasefire talks amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian terror group Hamas has vowed to take revenge after its political bureau chief, Ismail Haniyeh, was killed in Iran’s capital, Tehran. It has blamed Israel for Haniyeh’s killing, Press TV reported.

In a statement on Wednesday, Hamas said that Haniyeh “passed as a result of a treacherous Zionist raid.” It said, “The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas mourns the sons of our great Palestinian people, the Arab and Islamic nation, and all the free people of the world.”

Hamas political bureau member Mousa Abu Marzook condemned the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, terming it a “cowardly action” that would not go unanswered.

Reacting to the killing of Haniyeh, a Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zuhri said, “We are waging an open war to liberate [the holy occupied city of] al-Quds and are ready to pay any price.”

Other Palestinian groups also condemned the killing of Hamas political bureau chief and vowed to make the occupying entity pay the price of the assassination.

Maher al-Taher, international relations officer of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), said that Haniyeh made the ultimate sacrifice towards the realisation of the Palestinian cause. The PFLP is the second-largest of the groups forming the Palestine Liberation Organisation, according to a Press TV report.

He said, “The Israeli enemy crosses all red lines and is pushing things toward a comprehensive war with the entire Resistance Axis,” which is “fully prepared for confrontation.”

The Palestinian official warned, “The enemy … will regret the sin it committed by assassinating Haniyeh and attacking Iranian sovereignty.”

He said that Israel would not have been able to commit the atrocity “without American cover,” referring to the support being provided to Tel Aviv by the United States.

The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah said that the killing of Ismail Haniyeh would strengthen the resistance front’s resolve. The group extended condolences over the killing of Hamas’ top political leader, according to a Press TV report.

The group said, “We commiserate with our brethren in Hamas over the loss of the great leader, voice our outrage over the Israeli enemy’s crimes, and take great pride in leaders of resistance groups … We are very assured that the divine promise of victory will come true.”

Hezbollah called Haniyeh one of the greatest resistance leaders of the time, who bravely stood up to the US hegemony projects and Israel’s occupation plans.

Hezbollah said, “The martyrdom of Haniyeh will strengthen the determination and resolve of resistance fighters on all fronts, and will inspire them to continue the path of struggle and confront the Zionist enemy much more resolutely than ever.” (ANI)

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The Southern Naval Command dispatched a disaster relief team of 68 personnel from INS Zamorin at Ezhimala to the landslide-affected areas in Kerala’s Wayanad, officials said on Wednesday.

Massive landslides struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas in Wayanad district on Tuesday, killing more than 150 people, including women and children.

“Based on the request from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), the Southern Naval Command dispatched a disaster relief team of 68 personnel from INS Zamorin at Ezhimala to the landslide affected site at 02.30 pm on July 30, 2024,” the Southern Naval Command said in a statement on Wednesday.

According to an official statement, the rescue team, equipped with medical personnel and necessary equipment, arrived at the site at 10 pm the same day.

Additional teams are on standby and will be deployed at short notice as needed. An Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) detachment in Search and Rescue (SAR) configuration was deployed from Kochi to Calicut at 07.30 am on Wednesday to support the rescue efforts.

The Southern Naval Command noted that adverse weather conditions due to incessant rains are posing challenges in the area. Efforts are ongoing to provide immediate relief and support to the local population affected by the disaster, it added.

The Indian Army’s Southern Command has also begun preparations for erecting a bridge on Meppadi-Chooralmala Road. Bridging assets and a dog squad from Delhi have landed at Kannur Airport.

“Preparations for the erection of a bridge on #Meppadi-#Chooralmala Road are underway. Bridging assets from Delhi along with dog squad have landed at Kannur Airport, with further movement to the site being meticulously coordinated,” Southern Command Indian Army said in a post on X.

“The relief columns, in concert with mechanical forces, are striving to evacuate people to safety, ensuring a swift and organised response to the crisis,” it added.

The regional meteorological department has issued a warning for heavy rainfall in five districts, including Wayanad.

An Orange Alert has been issued for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, while a Yellow Alert is in place for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad districts. No rain warnings are in effect for Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam.

The Kerala government is compiling a list of those affected by the landslide.

Kerala Revenue and Housing Minister K Rajan said that the number of people involved in the accident will be available by this evening.

“The list will be prepared based on the ration cards and mustering records of plantations. The camps will continue, and comprehensive measures for rehabilitation will be taken soon,” Rajan said.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a meeting on Wednesday morning to review the rescue operations in the Wayanad district, which was hit by landslides on July 30.

The number of people who died in the landslides that struck the hilly areas of Meppadi in Wayanad district on Tuesday following incessant rainfall has gone up to 158, the Kerala Revenue Department said on Wednesday.

The chief minister held a meeting at the office of the Disaster Management Authority in Thiruvananthapuram to take stock of the rescue efforts.

As per a decision taken during the cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister will also reach Wayanad on August 1 morning to attend a state-level all-party meeting that has been convened for tomorrow.

Union Minister George Kurian visited the affected areas to take stock of the situation and met with survivors at relief camps.

Currently, a delegation of nine state ministers is in Wayanad assessing the relief camps.

A total of 1200 rescue workers from the Indian Army, DSC Centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy, and IAF are deployed in the calamity-hit areas.

Navy teams from Ezhimala Naval Base arrived in Chooralmala this morning.

An Army canine unit has also joined in the efforts to sniff out bodies buried under the debris of mud and slush.

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is actively engaged in the rescue and relief operations for those affected by the landslides, and the ICG Disaster Relief Team Kochi and Beypore are on the ground, providing aid and support.

Hundreds of people are still missing in the aftermath of the landslides that affected Mundakkai and Chooralmala the most. Attamala and Noolpuzha villages were also affected.

Chief Minister Vijayan said that 45 camps have been set up in Wayanad district, and over 3000 people have been rehabilitated there. (ANI)

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