New Delhi/Thiruvananthapuram - The central government declared the Wayanad landslide a "disaster of severe nature" on Monday, responding to a request from the Kerala government. This declaration will unlock significant financial aid for the rehabilitation of those affected by the tragedy, which struck in July of this year.

Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi welcomed the Centre's declaration of the Wayanad landslide as a "Disaster of Severe Nature," expressing gratitude to Union Home Minister Amit Shah on X, formerly known as Twitter. "This will greatly help those in need of rehabilitation and is definitely a step in the right direction," Gandhi stated, emphasizing the urgent need for adequate funds to support the victims.

The landslide, the worst in the state's history, swept away four villages, claiming the lives of 231 people and leaving 47 missing. The disaster left a trail of destruction, with 145 homes completely destroyed, 170 partially destroyed, and 240 deemed uninhabitable. A total of 183 homes were washed away.

This decision comes after a five-month delay since the Pinarayi Vijayan government submitted its request to the Centre. The central government's letter acknowledges the receipt of financial assistance from the State Disaster Response Fund for immediate relief efforts. However, it remains silent on Kerala's other requests, including debt waivers, additional relief funds, and a special financial package for reconstruction.

The Kerala government had initially put forth four main demands: declaring the landslide a disaster of extreme severity, increasing relief funds, waiving debts owed by affected individuals, and allocating a dedicated financial package for reconstruction.

The Kerala High Court recently granted the Pinarayi Vijayan government permission to acquire two estates for the construction of townships to permanently house those displaced by the landslide. The Harrison Malayalam Estate (65.41 acres) in Nedumbala, Elston Estate (78.73 acres) in Kalpetta, and Meppadi Gram Panchayat are among the identified sites. The High Court, invoking the Disaster Management Act, directed the government to ensure fair compensation for the landowners.