Wayanad: CPI(M) veteran Pinarayi Vijayan on Sunday spoke to some families who survived the 2024 Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide disaster and have now moved into houses constructed by the government at a township in Kalpetta here.
In March this year, Vijayan, the Chief Minister of the previous LDF government, had handed over the keys to 178 houses built for the victims.
However, families had not moved in earlier, as not all facilities were in place.
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On Sunday, a few families who survived the landslide moved into the houses, becoming the first to live in the township.
In a Facebook post, Vijayan said he spoke to some of the families over the phone and could sense the joy of a new beginning in lives that had endured deep pain and loss.
"A safe home is not just walls and a roof, but also a symbol of hope, confidence and a new life. I share wholeheartedly in their happiness," he said.
He also wished the families a peaceful and happy life.
Former Revenue Minister and CPI leader K Rajan also shared a video on Facebook showing a housewarming ceremony at one of the houses in the township.
He said families have begun moving into the houses, with the traditional "paal kaachal" ceremony marking the occupation of the first home.
"The development is being seen as a proud moment, with the township described as a 'city of love' built collectively by Kerala for those affected," he said.
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A total of 327 houses have been constructed in the township.
The landslides in the Mundakkai-Chooralmala area of Wayanad in July 2024 claimed over 200 lives and destroyed hundreds of homes.
