At least 158 people have been killed and more than 200 injured after a series of massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad. According to government data, over 180 individuals are feared trapped under the debris as rescue operations continue with urgency.
The landslides, which occurred within a four-hour span on Tuesday amid heavy rainfall, wreaked havoc across the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. Several residents were swept away by the Chaliyar river, exacerbating the devastation.
Relief and Rescue Efforts
In response to the disaster, 45 relief camps have been set up in Wayanad, providing shelter to 3,069 displaced individuals. Visuals circulating on social media depict extensive damage, including uprooted trees and destroyed homes in the region known for its scenic beauty and tea estates.
Wayanad district authorities are diligently compiling data to ascertain the number of missing persons by reviewing ration card details and other government documents, as reported by PTI.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared a two-day state mourning and is scheduled to chair a meeting with senior officials and ministers in Wayanad to assess the progress of rescue operations.
Military and Emergency Services Involvement
The Army, NDRF, SDRF, and other emergency services have intensified their efforts on the second day of operations. A total of 225 Army personnel have been deployed, with additional units moved from Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru to Calicut. The Army has successfully rescued over 1,000 individuals using a temporary structure after a major bridge connecting Chooralmala and Mundakkai was washed away by the rain.
An NDRF official told ANI that the risk of further landslides remains high due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued for public assistance.
Political and Humanitarian Responses
Kerala Health Minister Veena George was involved in a minor car accident while traveling to Wayanad but received first aid at Manjeri Medical College in Malappuram.
The weather department has forecasted continued heavy rain for Wayanad and neighboring districts, with a red alert issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod.
In response to the crisis, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has pledged Rs 5 crore in aid to Kerala, while the Prime Minister's Office has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, scheduled to visit Wayanad, have canceled their plans due to the severe weather conditions affecting travel.
