At least 40 bodies were recovered and several people were reportedly missing after massive landslides struck the hilly area near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday morning. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and sanctioned Fireforce and National Disaster Response Force team to the affected areas.
However, the heavy rainfall has hindered rescue efforts. Many people were reportedly washed away in the Chaliyar River flowing to the Nilambur region in Malappuram. Many houses, shops and vehicles were buried under the debris in Mundakkai.
Political Condolence
Kerala Minister Veena George stated “It’s very unfortunate that early this morning around 3 am, massive landslides occurred in Wayanad, and rescue operations are going on. We are exploring everything possible to rescue the lives of our people. So far, we have received 24 bodies in different hospitals, and many are injured, they are under treatment. We have opened control rooms in the health department and police department.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all help to the LDF government. He has also asked BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure that party workers assist in rescue work. The Prime Minister has also spoken to Union Minister Suresh Gopi, BJP’s lone Kerala MP, in this connection.
“Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” the Prime Minister said in a post on X.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his concern over the landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, where eight people, including three children, died. He stated that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing, with a second team on its way to bolster efforts. Shah extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi has said he is “deeply anguished” by the calamity and expressed his condolences to families who lost their own. “I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon,” he said in a post on X.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said all agencies have joined the rescue operation in Wayanad. State ministers will coordinate the rescue ops, he has said in a statement.
Among the affected areas are Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala and Noolpuzha, authorities have said. Many roads have collapsed and a bridge has been swept away and several areas have become unreachable, Health Minister Veena George told news agency ANI, “We have to re-establish the connectivity. Helicopters will also be brought in, but the weather is bad.”
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), light to moderate rainfall is expected at most locations, with occasional intense to very intense showers. Isolated thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds are also likely over Kerala in the next 3 hours.
Compensation
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the calamity. Those injured would be given ₹ 50,000.
Emergency Number
The Chief Minister has announced that the state Health Department has opened a control room. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities on helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.
