Kerala (Commonwealth Union)_ The recent landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have left a profound mark of devastation, claiming the lives of over 200 individuals while injuring many others. The calamity has also resulted in widespread destruction of homes and livelihoods. Accordingly, in response to this tragedy, several prominent South Indian celebrities expressed condolences and have stepped forward to donate millions to offer their support, thereby reflecting a powerful show of solidarity and compassion. Notably, Malayalam actor Mohanlal, who is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Indian Territorial Army, visited the Wayanad landslide personally and donated Rs 3 crore for the relief operations.
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Among the celebrities who have made significant contributions are Tamil actors Suriya, his wife Jyotika, and Karthi. The trio collectively donated Rs 50 lakhs to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Their generosity underscores their deep empathy for the victims, with Suriya expressing that he is heartbroken seeing the disaster. On social media, he conveyed his sorrow and admiration for the efforts of government agencies and volunteers engaged in rescue operations, stating, “#WayanadLandslide my thoughts and prayers with the families… Heartbreaking! Respects to all members of Government agencies and people on the field helping the families with the rescue operations.”
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In addition to the contributions from Suriya Jyotika and his family, actress Rashmika Mandanna has also shown her support by donating Rs 10 lakh. Rashmika’s heartfelt message on Instagram, where she described the situation as terrible and extended her prayers to the affected families, further illustrates the emotional impact the tragedy has had on the people and the state. Furthermore, the collective response of the South Indian cinema community highlights a significant pattern of generosity. Notable figures such as Vignesh Shivan and Nayanthara have also made headlines for their contributions. The couple donated Rs 20 lakh, expressing their grief and support through an open letter addressed to the Chief Minister’s office. Their message not only included a substantial donation but also heartfelt thanks to the relief workers on the ground.
The contributions do not end with these stars. Malayalam megastars Mammootty and Dulquer Salmaan have also joined the relief efforts. Mammootty donated Rs 25 lakh, while Dulquer Salmaan contributed Rs 15 lakh. Additionally, actor Fahadh Faasil and his wife Nazriya added Rs 25 lakh to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. Chiyaan Vikram has also donated Rs 20 lakh, reflecting a broad spectrum of support from the South Indian film fraternity.
Additionally, many other Malayalam actors, including Manju Warrier, Asif Ali, Tovino Thomas, and Malavika Mohanan, have appealed to the public to help the victims in any way possible. Their collective call for action emphasizes the urgency and the communal effort required to address the aftermath of the landslides. The tragic event, marked by torrential rains and subsequent landslides on July 30, has affected numerous villages, leaving over 200 people still missing as of recent reports. The death toll has tragically risen to 256. Relief centers across the state are actively engaged in providing support and collecting donations, reflecting the widespread community involvement in disaster relief.
Noteworthy too are the expressions of condolences from other prominent figures such as Kamal Haasan and Thalapathy Vijay, who have publicly shared their sorrow and offered support to the victims. Their gestures, along with the substantial financial aid from the celebrities, demonstrate a united front in the face of disaster. Furthermore, the outpouring of support from South Indian stars serves as a poignant reminder of the power of unity and generosity in times of crisis. Accordingly, the donated money to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund are instrumental in providing much-needed aid and rehabilitation to the victims of the Wayanad landslide, illustrating the profound impact that collective compassion can have in addressing humanitarian crises.
