Deadly Wayanad landslides: Over 156 dead, hundreds missing; rescue operations continue
KERALA,JULY 31 : At least 156 people have been killed, and over 180 were injured after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad. According to government data, over 100 people are feared to be trapped under debris as multiple agencies and the Army race against time to save as many lives as possible.
Three landslides struck Wayanad within a span of four hours on Tuesday amid heavy rain, leaving a trail of destruction in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages. Several people were swept away in the Chaliyar river.
An injured person being shifted using a ropeway as rescue operation is underway in Wayanad (PTI)
In Wayanad, 45 relief camps have been established, accommodating 3,069 people. Visuals and videos on social media showed uprooted trees and damaged houses dotting the district, known for its picturesque locales and tea estates.
Wayanad district authorities have started collecting data to determine the number of people missing. The data on those missing is being collected by reviewing ration card details and other government documents, PTI reported.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who has declared a two-day state mourning, will chair a meeting with senior officials and ministers stationed in Wayanad to review the progress of rescue operations.
Units of the Army, NDRF, SDRF and other emergency services personnel resumed operations on Day 2 and are searching under collapsed roofs and debris of destroyed houses for victims and possible survivors.
A total of 225 Army personnel have been deployed for rescue operations. Several companies of the Army have also been moved from Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru to Calicut.
The Army rescued over 1,000 people using a temporary structure after a major bridge connecting Chooralmala and Mundakkai villages in the district was washed away due to heavy rain.
An NDRF personnel was quoted by ANI as saying that there were chances of another landslide as heavy rainfall continued in the district. Helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued.
Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George’s car met with a minor accident while she was on her way to Wayanad. George was taken to Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram for first aid.
The weather department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the next couple of days. A red alert for heavy rain has been issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod districts.
Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, who were scheduled to visit Wayanad on Wednesday, cancelled their plan after authorities informed them that they would not be able to land due to incessant rain.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced assistance of Rs 5 crore to the Kerala government. The Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased.
-The India Today
