NEW DELHI: Home minister Amit Shah on Wednesday told Parliament the Centre had warned Kerala govt multiple times about the possibility of a rain-induced natural disaster, the first alert going out as early as July 23. Shah’s remarks came in response to attacks from opposition members in both Houses as they questioned the govt’s preparedness and stressed on the need to have early warning systems for natural disasters.
Replying to calling attention motions in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Shah said nine NDRF teams were rushed to the state on July 23. He said the state govt did not heed the warning and this was responsible for the rising death toll. He said the alerts were sent on July 23, seven days before the landslide, then again on July 24 and July 25. On July 26, it was informed that there would be heavy rainfall.
Amit Shah’s remarks inconsistent with facts: Kerala CM
Shah said even the arrival of the National Disaster Response Force battalions did not alert Kerala govt about the impending catastrophe.
“I do not want to accuse anyone of anything. This is the time to stand firm with the people and the govt of Kerala. I wish to assure the House that irrespective of party politics, the Narendra Modi govt will stand like a rock with the people and the govt of Kerala. There should be no doubt about it,” he said. “Before 2014, India had a rescue-centric approach towards disaster, but after 2014, the Modi govt is moving ahead with a zero casualty approach,” he added.
Replying to calling attention motions in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Shah said nine NDRF teams were rushed to the state on July 23. He said the state govt did not heed the warning and this was responsible for the rising death toll. He said the alerts were sent on July 23, seven days before the landslide, then again on July 24 and July 25. On July 26, it was informed that there would be heavy rainfall.
Amit Shah’s remarks inconsistent with facts: Kerala CM
Shah said even the arrival of the National Disaster Response Force battalions did not alert Kerala govt about the impending catastrophe.
“I do not want to accuse anyone of anything. This is the time to stand firm with the people and the govt of Kerala. I wish to assure the House that irrespective of party politics, the Narendra Modi govt will stand like a rock with the people and the govt of Kerala. There should be no doubt about it,” he said. “Before 2014, India had a rescue-centric approach towards disaster, but after 2014, the Modi govt is moving ahead with a zero casualty approach,” he added.