Will reach out to PM Modi and seek assistance for flood-hit Wayanad: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul told media on Thursday, "I am quite concerned about the heavy rainfall and landslide taking place in my constituency. I have spoken to three collectors over there. They briefed me about the situation. I have also called the Chief Minister of Kerala and requested him to help as fast as possible. I am also going to call the Prime Minister and mention to him that Wayanad is in need of assistance."

The Congress MP also said he dropped the plan of visiting Wayanad after a collector advised him not to go there at this moment as it will affect the "rescue operations".

He had tweeted earlier, "I request Congress workers & leaders, citizens & NGOs working in Kerala to help with relief operations in flood hit areas of Wayanad. I hope the State Govt will release a generous financial rehabilitation package to help those who’ve been impacted by the floods."

Amid heavy rains and water logging which has hit normal lives in Kerala and forced 22,165 people to lodge in 315 relief camps across the state, authorities have suspended operations of the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) till Sunday.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the landslide in Meppadi, Wayanad were major.

"We are looking at all possible means to rescue. Most parts of the State are witnessing heavy rainfall. All arrangements have been put in place to deal with the disaster," he tweeted.

He said flood relief camps have been set up and they now host 22165 persons from 5936 families.

About 9,951 people from 2,812 families have been shifted to 105 relief camps in Wayanad district which witnessed many landslips, resulting into the loss of lives and properties, sources told UNI.