As the situation continues to evolve, rescue teams and emergency services are working tirelessly to provide aid and restore normalcy in the affected regions.
Ninety-three people have been confirmed dead and hundreds more are feared trapped following a series of devastating landslides that struck Wayanad district in Kerala early Tuesday morning. The landslides, which occurred between 2 AM and 4 AM, have wreaked havoc on the hilly areas near Meppadi, particularly impacting the regions of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has mobilized a substantial response to the crisis, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Fire and Rescue, and Civil Defence actively engaged in rescue operations.
The challenging terrain and blocked roads are complicating efforts, especially in the severely affected Mundakkai area where several houses, shops, and vehicles have been buried under debris. A crucial bridge has been washed away, further hampering access.
As of now, approximately 116 people have been injured and are receiving treatment at hospitals across the district. Rescue teams have managed to retrieve three bodies from Munderi Utkurkuthikadav in Malappuram and seven more from the Pothungal area near the Chaliyar river.
Today’s landslides are the worst disaster the state has seen since 2018 when heavy floods killed almost 400 people.
Rescue efforts in Mundakai are being hindered by blocked roads and unstable terrain, according to a situation report released by the civil societies’ risk reduction coordination group, Sphere India.
Sphere India said that a total of 250 personnel from Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, NDRF, and local teams are engaged in rescue operations in Chooralmala. And, in Mundakkai, several houses, shops, and vehicles are buried under debris, Sphere India’s situation report said, adding that a bridge providing access to the affected area has been washed away, further complicating rescue efforts.
Situation continues to evolve
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured full support from the central government.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also asked BJP chief JP Nadda to mobilise BJP workers to assist in rescue work. He has also spoken to Union Minister Suresh Gopi in this connection.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has expressed deep anguish over the calamity, extending condolences to the victims’ families and urging for swift action to rescue those still trapped. Gandhi has been in contact with state officials to ensure effective coordination and resource allocation for the ongoing relief efforts.
“The devastation unfolding in Wayanad is heartbreaking,” he said in a message on X, formerly Twitter. “I have urged the union government to extend all possible support.”
Kerala Health Minister Veena George reported that many areas, including Attamala, remain isolated due to the collapse of bridges and roads. Helicopters will be deployed to aid in rescue operations, though adverse weather conditions are posing additional challenges.
The Kerala Health Department has set up a control room for emergency assistance, with helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 available for those in need.
In the meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for eight districts, including Wayanad, forecasting further heavy rain and thunderstorms. Four additional districts are under orange alert.
In the wake of the disaster, the Kerala government sought assistance from the army to construct temporary bridges and facilitate evacuations.
As the situation continues to evolve, rescue teams and emergency services are working tirelessly to provide aid and restore normalcy in the affected regions.
Image: Wikimedia
