Nature's fury unleashed havoc in Kerala and Tripura recently, causing widespread devastation. Floods, heavy rainfall, and landslides resulted in a severe situation in both states, leading to substantial loss of life and property. The severity of the situation was heightened because two states in the country were simultaneously impacted by similar natural calamities.

In the midst of this crisis, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Kerala and Tripura worked tirelessly day and night conducting rescue and relief operations. The Union Home Minister Amit Shah himself was closely monitoring these rescue efforts.
On the night of July 30th, a landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, resulted in a significant number of casualties within a few hours. The incident caused extensive damage to both movable and immovable assets, with villages in Wayanad district bearing the brunt of the destruction. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally took charge of relief and rescue operations. He swiftly coordinated with relevant departments of the central government and deployed NDRF, the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, Fire Services, and Civil Defence to the affected areas of Kerala and Tripura. These teams were accompanied by over 1200 relief workers.
In Kerala, 58 NDRF teams are working in challenging conditions and affected areas to tackle the worst floods in the century. Additional NDRF teams were deployed from nearby locations to rescue stranded families from the flooded areas. Furthermore, NDRF teams are establishing medical camps in various locations to provide medical care to those in need.
Following instructions from the Union Home Ministry, a team of senior and expert doctors was also dispatched to the affected areas to provide medical help and treatment. The central government has also made available over 100 ambulances.
The landslides in Kerala had completely severed transportation routes. The Indian Army's engineering team worked tirelessly for 71 hours to construct a 190-foot-long Bailey bridge. This bridge facilitated the transportation of heavy machinery and ambulances, significantly accelerating rescue efforts. In addition, the central government sent an Inter Ministerial Central Team to assess the situation in the affected area.
The Kerala disaster has resulted in the loss of over 415 lives, and over 200 people remain missing. Hundreds of homes, resorts, schools, places of worship, and infrastructure have been reduced to rubble. Survivors have lost everything, including their loved ones. This is the deadliest disaster in Kerala since 2018.
It is regrettable that even amidst such a massive tragedy, the opposition continues to question the central government. Responding to questions from opposition leaders in Parliament, Home Minister Amit Shah stated that the center had repeatedly warned the Kerala government about the anticipated natural disaster due to the heavy rainfall. The first warning was issued on July 23rd. He informed the house that nine NDRF teams were deployed in the state on July 23rd. He further stated that the state government did not heed the warnings, which led to a higher death toll.
In his statement, Home Minister Amit Shah clarified that he did not intend to place blame on anyone. "I don't want to blame anyone. This is a time to stand firmly with the people of Kerala and the government. I want to assure the House that, irrespective of party politics, the Narendra Modi government will stand like a rock with the people and government of Kerala. There should be no doubt about it."
It is known to all that before 2014, the focus was on a rescue-centric approach to disasters. However, after 2014, the central government has been moving towards a zero casualty approach.
Meanwhile, in Tripura, the floods caused significant damage. The Home Ministry, in addition to deploying boats and helicopters, sent 11 NDRF teams to assist the state government in relief and rescue operations. Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, continuously monitoring the situation. The central government has approved the release of ₹40 crore for flood-affected Tripura on August 23, 2024. To assist the state government in relief efforts, Amit Shah has deployed 11 NDRF teams, three army detachments, and four Indian Air Force helicopters from the center.
NDRF teams in Tripura have been tirelessly working to rescue affected people and bring them to safe locations. About 65,000 people have taken refuge in 450 relief camps. Heavy rains and landslides have destroyed homes, properties, and roads. Several rivers were in spate, disrupting transportation.
The central government has also dispatched boats and helicopters to assist the local government in relief and rescue operations in Tripura. NDRF teams are working around the clock, alongside Tripura government machinery, to tackle this unprecedented natural disaster.
One has to accept the fact that dangers like avalanches, landslides, floods, and storms are going to increase everywhere in the future due to climate change. Keeping this in mind, governments and the society at large should move firmly towards the goal of zero casualty by using scientific principles for the development of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). .
The central government's support to the state governments in Kerala and Tripura during this crisis clearly demonstrates that, despite political differences, India stands united during times of adversity. The centre remains steadfast in its support for the affected states.

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