Death Toll in Wayanad Landslides Reaches 156, Rescue Operations Intensify
Wayanad, Kerala, July 31, 2024 – The devastating landslides in Wayanad have claimed 156 lives, with over 180 people injured and more than 100 feared trapped under debris. The calamity, which struck the hilly regions near Meppadi, has triggered an extensive rescue operation involving multiple agencies and the Army.
Within four hours on Tuesday, heavy rains caused three landslides in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages. The Chaliyar river also swept away several people. As a result, 45 relief camps have been established, providing shelter to 3,069 individuals.
Authorities are working to ascertain the number of missing persons by reviewing ration cards and other government documents. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared a two-day state mourning and will chair a review meeting in Wayanad to assess rescue efforts. The Army, NDRF, SDRF, and emergency services have intensified their operations, with 225 Army personnel deployed and additional forces moved from Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru to Calicut. Over 1,000 people have been rescued using temporary structures after a major bridge connecting Chooralmala and Mundakkai was washed away.
An NDRF personnel warned of potential further landslides due to continued heavy rainfall. Helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued for assistance. Meanwhile, Kerala Health Minister Veena George sustained minor injuries in a car accident en route to Wayanad and received first aid at Manjeri Medical College.
The weather department forecasts more rain for Wayanad and other districts, issuing a red alert for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi’s visit to Wayanad was cancelled due to the incessant rain. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a Rs 5 crore assistance to Kerala, and the Prime Minister’s Office offered a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased.
