Landslides In Wayanad Leave 143 Dead, Hundreds Feared Trapped
Pune, 31st July 2024: At least 143 people have died, and around 186 others were injured following a series of landslides that hit Wayanad district in Kerala due to heavy rain yesterday. Rescue operations are ongoing, with hundreds more feared trapped in the affected areas. Various rescue agencies, including the Army and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are working tirelessly to locate and evacuate the trapped individuals.
The Army has successfully evacuated over 1,000 people from the impacted regions. Brigadier Arjun Seagan reported, “Around 500 to 600 personnel from the NDRF, Army, state police, forest officials, and volunteers have been conducting the rescue operations today.” Naval teams and Air Force helicopters have been mobilized to assist with the efforts, with airlifts planned once weather conditions improve.
Kerala has been experiencing relentless rainfall, recording 372 mm in 24 hours before the three landslides struck Wayanad district within four hours. The India Meteorological Department has forecast more rain for Wayanad and several other districts, including Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod. An orange alert has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan this morning, offering full support to the state government. He has also directed BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure party workers assist in the rescue operations. The Prime Minister’s Office announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those killed and ₹50,000 for those injured.
The landslides have caused significant destruction, destroying homes, swelling water bodies, and uprooting trees. Picturesque villages like Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha have been isolated. Chief Minister Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting last evening to assess the rescue operations and review health and safety measures at the relief camps.
The state Health Department has established a control room, and those needing emergency assistance can contact authorities at 9656938689 and 8086010833.
