Wayanad Landslides and Disaster Status | 16 Nov 2024
The Union government has informed Kerala that the Wayanad landslides occurred in July 2024 cannot be declared as 'National Disaster', citing existing provisions and funds available for relief operations.
- Wayanad landslides caused major damage to lives and property, prompting the Kerala government to request Rs 900 crore from the Centre for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
- Centre’s Response: The Central Government clarified that there is no provision to declare any calamity a "National Disaster" under the existing guidelines of the State Disaster Response Fund(SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).
- Centre stated that disaster management is primarily the state's responsibility, with the Centre offering logistical and financial support.
- Financial relief for affected individuals comes from the SDRF for 12 notified natural disasters, including floods and landslides.
- In severe disasters, additional funds can be allocated from the NDRF after an assessment by an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT).
- Disaster: As per the Disaster Management(DM) Act 2005, a disaster is defined as “a casastrophe, mishap, calamity or grave occurrence in any area, arising from natural or man-made cause, or by accident.
- Section 46(I) and Section 48(I)(a) of the DM Act, 2005 mandate the creation of a NDRF at the national level and a SDRF at the state level.
Read more: Landslides in Wayanad