414 Houses Offered, Hundreds Contribute To CM Fund: Aids For Wayanad Growing (image-X/IaSouthern)
With the fifth day of rescue operations underway, the death toll in landslide-hit Wayanad is only increasing. Over 350 people have died, with more than 200 still missing, as per reports. The tragedy-hit areas in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and other areas have been left in utter devastation. As if they never existed in the first place.
Gut wrenching stories come out of those who have managed to survive the calamity. With bodies deteriorated to an extent where they are beyond recognition, identifying them is a monumental task. Recovering an entire human body itself is a rare sight.
Amidst death and destruction, stories of hope and resilience also emerge. People across Kerala have banded together to help their fellow citizens and volunteer in the rescue operations. Outside of the state too, Indians from all backgrounds have extended their support to the people of Wayanad.
With rehabilitation plans underway for the survivors, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said earlier today that the government is planning a safe township for them. He also added that people from around the world are contributing to the CM’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).
The National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers have assured to construct 150 houses for those affected. Notably, it would be the largest volunteering activity taken up by the NSS. The project will be undertaken jointly by various NSS cells in Kerala.
Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi vowed that Congress will build 100 houses after visiting the disaster struck Wayanad with sister Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday. Earlier today, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also extended his support to Wayanad and assured to construct 100 houses for the survivors.
The World Malayali Council promised to build 14 houses at the total cost of Rs 1 crore. Reportedly, Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala will build ten houses, while Kozhikode-based Business Club will build 40 houses at the expense of Rs 3 crore.
Billionaire Gautam Adani donated Rs 5 crore to the fund.
Meanwhile, several celebrities have come forward with donations to the CM Distress Fund. Among the first South Indian celebrities to contribute to the relief operations, Chiyaan Vikram donated Rs 20 lakh to the CMDRF. Malayalam legend Mammootty and actor and son Dulquer Salmaan made a donation of Rs 20 lakh and Rs 15 lakh, respectively.
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Another Malayalam superstar Mohanlal, who is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army, visited the tragedy struck area wearing his army uniform and pledged Rs 3 crore for rehabilitation works.
Celebrity couple Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan contributed Rs 20 lakhs to the fund for the assistance of the survivors and to aid in their rehabilitation. Actor Suriya, Jyothika and Karthi collectively donated Rs 50 lakh to the CMDRF while actress Rashmika Mandanna donated Rs 10 lakh.
