Death Toll in Kerala Landslides Rises to 143, Over 180 Injured in Wayanad

Wayanad, 31st July 2024: At least 143 people have lost their lives and approximately 186 others were injured following a series of landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district amid heavy rain yesterday.

10 Key Updates on Kerala Landslides

1. Rescue Operations: Hundreds more are feared trapped, and government agencies are actively conducting rescue operations in the affected areas. Several families have reported their loved ones missing.
2. Army Deployment: About 300 Indian Army personnel have been deployed for search-and-rescue efforts in Wayanad, with an additional 140 on standby in Thiruvananthapuram.
3. Naval and Air Support: Naval teams and Air Force helicopters were mobilized to assist the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army late last evening. Defence Ministry officials confirmed that disaster relief teams and rescue dog squads are being airlifted.
4. Heavy Rainfall: Kerala has been experiencing relentless rainfall, with blocked roads hindering relief efforts. The state recorded 372 mm of rain in the 24 hours before three landslides struck Wayanad district within four hours.
5. Weather Forecast: The weather department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the next few days. An alert has been issued for the Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod districts. Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts are under orange alert.
6. Prime Minister’s Assurance: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan this morning, assuring full support to the LDF government. He also requested BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure party workers assist in rescue efforts.
7. Compensation Announced: The Prime Minister’s Office announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who died in the disaster and ₹50,000 for those injured.
8. Destruction and Isolation: The landslides have caused significant destruction, destroying several houses, swelling water bodies, and uprooting trees. The scenic villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha have been cut off from other areas, leaving many stranded.
9. Chief Minister’s Meeting: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting last evening to review rescue operations and assess health and safety arrangements at the relief camps.
10. Health Department Control Room: The state Health Department has established a control room for emergency assistance. Those in need can contact authorities on helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.