Honourable Chief Minister, Governor, my esteemed colleague in the Central Government, and the son of this land, Suresh Gopi Ji!
Since I first learnt of this disaster, I have been in continuous communication and have been closely monitoring the situation. It is imperative that all relevant departments of the Central Government be mobilised without delay, and that we unite in our efforts to support those who have been affected by this catastrophic event.
This is no ordinary tragedy; it has shattered the hopes and dreams of countless families. I have personally witnessed the extent of nature’s fury and have visited many affected families in the relief camps, where I heard firsthand accounts of their harrowing experiences. Additionally, I have met with patients in the hospitals who are enduring severe suffering due to the injuries inflicted by this disaster.
In times of crisis, our collective efforts yield remarkable results. On that very morning, I spoke with the Honourable Chief Minister and assured him that we were mobilising all necessary resources and would arrive as swiftly as possible. I also promptly dispatched one of our MoS to the scene. The response from various organisations has been swift and unwavering. The SDRF, NDRF, armed forces, police, local medical staff, and NGOs have all immediately stepped in to assist the disaster-affected individuals. While it is beyond human capacity to fully compensate for the loss experienced by families who have lost their loved ones, it is our shared responsibility to ensure that their future and their dreams are not further diminished. The Government of India and the nation stand united with the victims during this critical time.
Yesterday, I sent a coordination team of our internal ministers to the area. They met with the Honourable Chief Minister and local officials, and have now completed their assessment. As the Honourable Chief Minister has informed me, he will be providing a detailed memorandum. I assure these families that they are not alone. In this moment of grief, whether from the state government, the central government, or the citizens of the country, we are all united in our support.
A significant portion of the funds allocated by the government for disaster management under the relevant rules and regulations has already been disbursed, and we have promptly released the remaining amount. Once we receive the memorandum, the central government will collaborate generously with the Kerala government to address all these issues. I am confident that lack of funds will not hinder any efforts.
Regarding the loss of life, we must offer renewed consolation to the affected families, particularly the young children who have lost everything. A long-term plan will be necessary to support them. I trust that the state government will develop a detailed strategy, and the Government of India will provide any additional assistance required.
As the Chief Minister has shared with me, I have experienced a similar disaster up close. In 1979, around 40 to 45 years ago, there was a dam in Morbi, Gujarat, which was completely destroyed due to heavy rainfall. The dam was substantial, and its collapse resulted in all the water flooding into Morbi city, causing water levels to rise to 10 to 12 feet throughout the city. More than 2,500 people lost their lives in that disaster. The dam was made of earth, so mud was spread across every house. I spent about six months there working as a volunteer, and I constantly encountered the issues caused by mud and the challenges it presents. My volunteering experience has given me a clear understanding of these difficulties. Therefore, I can imagine how arduous the situation must have been for families trapped in the mud. Despite this, it seems that those who managed to survive were truly fortunate, as if they had been blessed and spared by divine intervention.
I fully comprehend the gravity of the situation and assure you that the country and the Government of India will spare no effort to assist. Once you provide the details—whether regarding housing, the construction of schools, road infrastructure, or arrangements for the future of these children—we will offer our full support without delay, and I assure you of this commitment. I was initially concerned that my visit might hinder the rescue operations and relief activities.
However, after thoroughly assessing the situation today, I find that having first-hand information facilitates more informed decision-making. I assure you once again that the central government will make every effort to meet all the expectations of the Chief Minister.
Thank you!
