Bharat’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed gratitude to China for its message of solidarity with those affected by the recent landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad.
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs had posted a statement on X on July 31, extending condolences for the lives lost in the landslides and sympathies to the bereaved families and injured individuals, wishing a swift recovery for those affected.
This gesture of support from China comes shortly after Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar acknowledged the strained state of relations between the two countries earlier in the week.
Bharat and China have recently wrapped up diplomatic discussions on border issues, which were described as “in-depth, constructive, and forward-looking.” Both nations have committed to enhanced communication to maintain peace along their shared borders.
The landslides in Wayanad, triggered by heavy rains totalling up to 572 mm in just 24 hours, have claimed 308 lives to date. The disaster has devastated homes, roads, and public infrastructure. Rescue efforts have been hampered by ongoing rains, swollen rivers, and damaged infrastructure, with the army, NDRF, and SDRF involved in the operations.
In addition to China’s message, US President Joe Biden has also extended condolences and praised the rescue and relief efforts in response to the tragedy.
Kerala has faced a severe impact from extreme weather events over the past seven years, with around 900 lives lost due to rains and landslides. Contributing factors include environmental neglect, warming of the Arabian Sea, and deforestation, which have increased the region’s susceptibility to such disasters.
