Kolkata: A devastating landslide struck the Meppadi area in Wayanad early Tuesday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 80 people. West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed his sorrow and emphasized the need to maintain a balance between man and nature during this tragic event.

"We are deeply saddened and shocked by this tragedy. We will all stand together in this hour of crisis and brave this storm. We pray to God that the departed rest in peace. We wish an early and speedy recovery to the injured. It is said accidents are not accidental, there is a human factor in that. This is an occasion which makes us deeply introspect the need to maintain the balance between man and nature," Governor Bose stated to the media on Tuesday.

Governor Bose also mentioned that he has been in contact with relevant authorities and has requested Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to expedite aid for those affected. "In this critical time, the entire India will stand together and do whatever is required to save the people in distress. I am in touch with all those concerned; now the focus would be the rescue operations. I will do my best to be in touch with everybody concerned, whatever is required will certainly be done without delay," he added. The Governor also indicated plans to visit Wayanad.

Union Minister of State George Kurian is heading to Wayanad to lead the relief and rescue operations. Acting on directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kurian will coordinate with National Disaster Relief Force personnel, paramilitary forces, Kerala Government officials, and other agencies involved in the operation.

Meanwhile, Kerala Forest Minister Saseendran has arrived at the affected area to assess the damage and oversee the immediate response efforts. State minister Ramachandran Kadannappalli will soon join the efforts on the ground.

A delegation of state ministers from the Revenue, Public Works, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Departments is traveling from Thiruvananthapuram and is expected to arrive at the site soon, according to the Kerala Chief Minister's office. Kerala Minister MB Rajesh stated that the state government is coordinating with various agencies to carry out rescue efforts on a "war footing."

"The chief minister is closely monitoring the operation. He has sent a team of ministers to Wayanad. An IAS officer will be camping in Wayanad to coordinate the rescue operations. 250 people have been rescued and shifted to temporary shelter camps. We are airlifting stranded persons. All efforts are being taken by the government for rescue operations," Minister Rajesh reported.

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