New Delhi: Following a request from Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, to declare the landslides in Wayanad as a national disaster, Government of India sources have clarified that there is no provision for such a declaration. 

The demand for classifying the Wayanad landslides as a national disaster has gained traction, with Gandhi, a former MP from the affected region, at the forefront of this call. 

According to a 2013 Lok Sabha response by then Minister of State for Home, Mullappally Ramachandran, there is no mechanism to declare a natural disaster as a national disaster. The response explained that the Government of India assesses calamities on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the calamity's intensity and magnitude, the level of relief needed, the state government's capacity to handle the situation, and available resources. The priority is to provide immediate relief and assistance, with additional support considered from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) for severe calamities following established procedures.

State governments are primarily responsible for rescue and relief efforts following natural disasters, according to the response.

Earlier in the week, Rahul Gandhi addressed the Lok Sabha, urging the Central government to declare the landslides in Kerala's Wayanad a "national disaster," provide a comprehensive rehabilitation package, and increase compensation for the affected individuals.

Gandhi, who recently visited Wayanad with his sister, described the severe impact of the landslides, noting that many hundreds have died and many more are missing. He acknowledged the efforts of various agencies involved in search and rescue operations and praised the unity of the communities in the affected areas.

"I urge the Union Government to provide a comprehensive rehabilitation package, enhance compensation, and declare the Wayanad landslides a national disaster," Gandhi reiterated in the Lok Sabha. He also commended the efforts of the Union and Kerala state governments, as well as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Fire Department, and neighboring states such as Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.

The landslides that struck Chooralmala and Mundakkai in Wayanad on July 30 caused extensive damage. According to the district administration, 226 bodies have been recovered and 403 body parts have been found in the disaster-affected area. (Agencies)