New Delhi:

Union Minister Amit Shah today claimed in Parliament that the Kerala government was on July 23 given early warning over potential landslides. Over 150 people died and 200 were injured after devastating landslides hit Wayanad district on Tuesday.

The Home Minister claimed that the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government was warned by the Centre a week before the landslides hit Wayanad, adding that the Centre had dispatched nine NDRF teams to Kerala after heavy rainfall was predicted for the southern state.

"Nine NDRF teams were sent in Kerala in advance. The Kerala government did not evacuate people in time," Amit Shah said in Rajya Sabha.

"India is among four countries that can provide warning on natural disasters at least seven days in advance," he added.

Post a comment Mr Shah said that the deaths due to the landslides could have been minimised had the Kerala government become alert following the arrival of NDRF teams.