Wayanad Landslides: Authorities Complete DNA Tests on 401 Body Parts for Identification
Recovery efforts continue in Wayanad following three deadly landslides that struck the Chooralmala and Mundakai areas on July 30. Health authorities in Kerala have completed DNA testing on 401 bodies and body parts recovered from the landslide-hit regions, as officials work to identify the victims.
The extensive search operation, involving the Army, Special Operations Group, Fire and Rescue Services, Forest Department, and numerous volunteers, has recovered 349 body parts belonging to 248 individuals, including 121 men and 127 women. However, 52 bodies or body parts remain unidentified due to severe decomposition, requiring further testing.
State authorities have intensified the search in the Nilambur area and Chaliyar River, with three additional body parts discovered on Tuesday. Efforts are underway to relocate survivors from relief camps to temporary settlements, with blood samples collected from 115 individuals, including relatives of victims from Bihar.
Kerala Forest Minister AK Saseendran reported that 231 bodies and around 206 body parts have been recovered to date. Approximately 1,505 people are currently staying in 12 relief camps, and 415 samples have been sent for DNA testing.
Authorities are identifying vacant houses and residential facilities in Wayanad to accommodate survivors. A fully equipped temporary settlement is being planned in various locations, including Meppadi and Vaithiri. A five-member committee is inspecting rental housing options, and 1,368 certificates have been issued to disaster victims.
The tragic landslides have claimed over 400 lives, with around 100 people still missing.
