Pinarayi Vijayan Slams State Government Over Disaster Response Lapses as Keralam Battles Floods

Thiruvananthapuram: Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan said the worsening suffering of people due to negligence and a lack of coordination in disaster management cannot be accepted. He also expressed concern over the shortcomings in the functioning of relief camps and urged the government to intensify efforts to trace those who remain missing.

“A serious allegation has emerged that a dam in Ranni was opened without issuing a proper warning. Traders were not given enough time even to move goods from their shops to safety. They have now been forced to take to the streets in protest,” Pinarayi Vijayan said.

Government agencies themselves have acknowledged lapses in food distribution at relief camps, he said. Due to a lack of coordination among officials, volunteers, local residents and political workers had to prepare and distribute food, he added.

“Thousands of people are staying in hundreds of relief camps across the state. Under these circumstances, the administrative machinery must function with greater vigilance and efficiency,” he said.

Pinarayi Vijayan said the government must ensure the timely availability of food, drinking water, medicines, safe accommodation and compensation for people affected by the disaster.

He also called on the government to examine the lapses that occurred and take measures to prevent them from being repeated.

Pinarayi Vijayan urged government agencies, local self-government institutions, volunteers and the public to work together to overcome the crisis.