‘Not just a lapse, but disrespect’: Pinarayi Vijayan slams Kerala govt over disaster response

Kannur: Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday criticised the state government over alleged lapses in disaster preparedness, relief operations and the search for fishermen missing in separate boat mishaps.

Speaking to reporters in Kannur, Vijayan said the Opposition would extend full support to the government's relief and rescue efforts amid the continuing rain-related crisis in several parts of Kerala.

Questions over disaster preparedness

Vijayan said the extremely heavy rain that began on July 31 exposed shortcomings in the state's disaster preparedness. He alleged that necessary warnings and precautionary measures were not implemented in time despite forecasts of extremely heavy rainfall.

Referring to the landslide at the Wayanad tunnel road construction area, he said adequate precautions were not taken despite warnings about the possibility of landslides.

"Despite extremely heavy rain being forecast, a red alert was not issued in a timely manner as per the rules. Alerts were issued only after the rain had already become heavy. Similarly, despite warnings about the possibility of landslides, necessary precautions were not taken," he said.

Rajesh's death raises concerns

Vijayan also raised the issue of swimming instructor and rescue worker R Rajesh, who died while attempting to rescue a man trapped in floodwaters.

"The demise of Rajesh became a deep sorrow for Kerala. It is an incident that plunged everyone into tears. That young man lost his life while trying to save a fellow human being trapped in the flood. Rajesh was also a rescue worker. His body could be found only after four days," he said.

He criticised the alleged failure to arrange a freezer ambulance to transport Rajesh's body from Kannur to Thiruvananthapuram.

"This is not just a lapse but must be seen as a huge disrespect. A worker who lost his life while trying to save others, someone who voluntarily came to the disaster scene and carried out his duties, was not shown the respect due to him. In effect, immense disrespect was shown," he said.

Concerns over Ranni floods

Vijayan also raised concerns over the flood situation in Ranni and alleged that the opening of the Moozhiyar Dam without prior warning contributed to the situation.

"When extremely heavy rain began on July 31, a massive flood occurred in Ranni in a single night. Heavy loss and damage occurred there. At the same time, the Moozhiyar Dam was opened without prior warning. That also contributed to this. Local traders and residents suffered massive losses," he said.

He pointed out that traders had stocked more goods than usual ahead of Onam and demanded urgent compensation for those who suffered losses.

Vijayan said the situation remained serious in several districts, with flood conditions prevailing in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Kottayam.

Calls for long-term disaster management

Vijayan referred to efforts by the previous LDF government to remove accumulated sand and mud and said such measures should not become victims of political controversy.

"One unfortunate situation we must remember is that the previous LDF government had taken effective steps to remove the accumulated sand and mud. At that time, the opposition UDF went to court against it. What needs to be understood here is that such matters should not be about politics or controversies," he said.

He said recurring extreme rainfall linked to climate change was causing massive floods and stressed the need for long-term preventive measures.

"The LDF government had initiated certain measures. These are not things that can be completed in one or two years. It is through continuous efforts by government mechanisms that a comprehensive solution can be achieved," he said.

Search for missing fishermen

Vijayan also raised concerns over fishermen who remain missing following separate boat mishaps in coastal areas.

"Their families have resorted to direct agitation. They allege that timely helicopter searches were not conducted. Complaints have also been raised that the concerned ministers, including the Fisheries Minister, did not visit these places or make inquiries," he said.

Vijayan said disaster relief should be a collective effort involving public representatives, fishermen, voluntary organisations, youth, students and other sections of society.