Karnataka Chief Minister appeals for CSR support for Kerala Landslide relief

Amid the landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad, which has claimed 158 lives so far, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has appealed to the corporate sector to make Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions which will be used to support relief efforts in Kerala. The CM seeks financial support, logistics for relief operations, and supplies, including non-perishable food items and clothing.

Early on Tuesday around 2 am and 4 am respectively, two massive landslides hit Kerala, due to which Mundakkai and Chooramala areas under the Vellarimala village of the Meppadi Panchayat have been swept away claiming 158 lives so far and causing fatal injuries. At least 128 people are severely injured in the disaster while hundreds are missing. The Kerala government has declared an official state mourning.

Karnataka is committed to support Kerala

Drawing attention of corporate sector towards this disaster and seeking their help, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah stated, “As you might be aware, our neighbouring state, Kerala, has recently been subjected to a severe calamity that has resulted in considerable hardship for its residents. The Government of Karnataka is committed to extending support to Kerala in these trying times, and we are reaching out to our valued partners in the corporate sector to join us in these relief efforts.”

The Government of Karnataka has set up a task force to manage the relief efforts. Contributions are being solicited to provide immediate relief and assist in the long-term rehabilitation of the affected regions.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted ‘heavy to very heavy rainfall’ at isolated places in Kerala for Wednesday and Thursday the intensity of which is expected to reduce a little by Friday.

CM appeals to Corporates for CSR funds

“The situation in Kerala urgently needs financial assistance, food supplies, clothing, and basic ration to address the immediate needs of the affected population. The scale of the disaster necessitates a coordinated and generous response from all sectors of society, particularly from corporate entities that have always been pillars of support in times of need. The scale of this disaster necessitates a coordinated and generous response from all sectors of society, especially from corporates who’ve always been pillars of aid in times of crisis,” the Karnataka CM appealed to the Corporate Sector in a letter.

CM Siddaramaiah further appealed, “We are specifically looking for contributions in the following areas. Firstly, financial support to facilitate the logistics of relief operations and rebuilding efforts. Secondly, food supplies comprising non-perishable food items and thirdly, clothing. We understand that each organisation has strengths and ways to best contribute. We would appreciate it if you could share how your esteemed organisation would like to assist in this humanitarian effort. Kindly inform us about the support you can offer, and we will coordinate with you to ensure that the contributions are utilised effectively.”

Prime Minister announces ex-gratia

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over loss of lives due to landslides in Wayanad, Kerala and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakhs to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those injured, which will be provided from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). PM Modi also interacted with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The Prime Minister posted on X, “Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there.”