Kochi: In the aftermath of the devastating landslide disaster in Wayanad, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed disappointment over the lack of substantial support from the central government. He highlighted the significant losses suffered by the state and reiterated the urgent need for assistance.

"The state has suffered a huge loss due to the Wayanad disaster. We had hoped for significant support from the central government, but so far, no such substantial assistance has been provided," Vijayan stated. He mentioned that the state had requested an emergency relief fund of ₹291 crore from the National Disaster Response Fund, in addition to the usual central share. Of this amount, ₹145.6 crore had been previously sanctioned, but he clarified that this was a routine procedure and not specific disaster-related aid. As of now, no special assistance has been received from the Centre. "The matter was discussed in the Cabinet meeting, and it was decided to once again urge the central government to release the required aid as quickly as possible," he added.

Earlier, CM Vijayan accused the media of attempting to discredit the state government by allegedly spreading a "false narrative" about its relief efforts in Wayanad. "The false narrative that Kerala inflated figures to unfairly obtain central aid has unfortunately taken root in the minds of many. And what is the result? The people of Kerala and the government have been discredited on a global scale," he told reporters. He emphasized that this issue goes beyond mere misinformation, stating, "This is not just a matter of false news or a lapse in media ethics. The real problem with fake news is not merely the lies, but the agenda behind them. And that agenda is clearly against the state and its people."

Vijayan assured that support for Wayanad had come from all sections of society, asserting that the "fake news" surfacing now seems aimed at undermining that support and blocking much-needed aid. "The people are contributing to the relief fund, and the malicious intent behind this misinformation is to discourage them from doing so. Make no mistake—this is not regular journalism. The only term that can describe it is 'destructive journalism.' This destructive journalism is a crime against society," he stated, adding that it erodes trust and acts as an offense against the community.

A series of landslides in Wayanad, triggered by torrential rainfall, have resulted in the tragic loss of hundreds of lives in the state. The landslides occurred in Punjirimattom, Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Vellarimala villages in Meppadi panchayat, Vythiri taluk in Wayanad district.

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