Biden Reacts to Wayanad Landslides After Death Toll Crosses 300

US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden on Thursday expressed their condolences over the ongoing landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. He also praised the bravery of the service members and personnel who were the first to carry out the complex rescue operation. Currently, more than 300 civilians have lost their lives in the deadly landslides.

In a statement, Biden said, “Jill and I extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by the deadly landslides in the state of Kerala in India. Our prayers are with the victims of this tragic event, and we mourn with the families who have lost loved ones.”

Supporting the Indian army and NDRF teams, he said “We commend the bravery of the Indian service members and first responders supporting the complex recovery first.”

Read President Biden’s statement on Wayanad Landslides:

“We will continue to hold the people of India in our thoughts during this difficult time,” he added.

Other foreign leaders express condolences

Yesterday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences over the Kerala landslides. He sent a message to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying “Kindly accept the most sincere condolences over the tragic consequences of the landslides in Kerala. Please convey words of sympathy and support to the near and dear ones of the deceased as well as wishes for a speedy recovery of all injured.”

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian had also expressed “deep condolences” over the incident. He said “We saw the news about the massive landslides in the Indian state of Kerala. We express deep condolences over the lives lost, and heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and the injured, and we wish those who are injured speedy recovery.”

Wayanad Landslides: Death toll crosses 300

India TV reported that almost 308 people have died as a result of the landslides in Wayanad, and rescue and relief efforts are continuing in Chooralmala and Mundakkai, both in the Meppadi district where the landslides have caused the most damage.

According to Revenue Minister K. Rajan, 9,328 people in the district have been shifted to 91 relief camps. He said that out of these, 2,328 people from 578 families who were displaced due to landslides in Churalmala and Meppadi have been shifted to nine relief camps.