Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased in multiple landslides that hit Kerala’s Wayanad on Tuesday, following torrential rains.

Kerala health minister Veena George has confirmed the deaths of 11 people as the landslide struck the hilly areas near Meppadi early this morning.

A large number of people also remain trapped in the area where rescue workers are finding it difficult to access.

“The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad and the injured would be given Rs 50,000” PM’s office said in a statement.

“My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers are with those injured,” PM Modi said.

Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected, he added.

“I have requested that they ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request that to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad,” Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.

(ANI)