Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has criticized sections of the media for allegedly spreading misinformation about the state’s relief efforts in the landslide-hit Wayanad district. Speaking at a press conference, the CM accused the media of misrepresenting the estimated figures for disaster relief activities as funds already spent, creating confusion and discrediting the government’s efforts. He added that this misinformation was aimed at discouraging contributions to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF).
The Chief Minister expressed concern over what he described as "manufactured stories" by certain media outlets, accusing them of advancing political motives through deceptive reporting. He warned that the situation might necessitate legal action against those spreading false stories.
Vijayan highlighted the state's extensive rescue and relief operations, which were carried out in collaboration with defense forces, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), local volunteers, and residents. A team of four ministers was deployed to the region, with one minister staying on-site for 50 days to ensure the relief efforts were well-coordinated.
The government has provided Rs 6 lakh each to the 131 families who lost loved ones in the landslides. The total compensation included Rs 5.24 crore from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and Rs 2.62 crore from the CMDRF. The CM also confirmed that the state had submitted a detailed memorandum to the Centre seeking a special relief package.
