In the wake of devastating landslides that have claimed at least 158 lives in Kerala’s Wayanad district, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has raised questions about the state government’s response to early warnings issued by the central government.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Union Home Minister Shah said, “Early warning was given, that is why on July 23, we sent 9 teams of NDRF and three more were sent yesterday. Had they become alert the day the NDRF teams landed, a lot could have been saved. But this is the time to stand with the government and the people of Kerala. Irrespective of the party politics, the Narendra Modi government will stand with the people of Kerala.”

The Home Minister emphasized that India possesses one of the world’s most advanced early warning systems, capable of predicting weather patterns up to seven days in advance. “The government has invested Rs. 2000 crores since 2014 to develop this system,” he added.

Shah questioned the Kerala government’s actions following these warnings. “We deployed 9 NDRF teams to Kerala on July 23. What measures did the state government take? Were people evacuated? If so, how did so many lose their lives?” he asked.

“The project of early warning started in 2016 and by 2023, India had the most modern early warning system… There are only 4 countries to predict 7 days in advance and India is one among them,” Shah said.

Despite the criticism, Shah assured that the central government would stand with Kerala, regardless of political differences. “This is a time to support the people of Kerala. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government will stand with them,” he said.

(Inputs from ANI)