Kerala: 143 Dead and 100s Trapped in Wayanad Landslides
At least 63 people have died, 116 are injured and hundreds are feared trapped under debris after 3 big landslides occurred in Kerala's Wayanad district within 4 hours due to heavy rain.
In a devastating monsoon tragedy, three major landslides struck Wayanad district in Kerala on July 30, 2024, killing at least 143 people and injuring around 250. Hundreds are feared trapped under debris after the landslides, caused by heavy rain, hit the area around 2:00 am.
The landslides have caused significant damage: roads and small bridges have collapsed, making several areas unreachable. Many houses, vehicles, and shops have been submerged in mud and water. The most affected areas include Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha.
Rescue operations are underway with over 250 personnel from the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, Kannur Defence Security Corps, Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). However, helicopters have not been deployed due to poor weather conditions.
Horrific videos showing the Pattambi River overflowing, houses surrounded by mud, and dead bodies in the Chaliyar River have gone viral. The NDRF is working tirelessly to rescue and assist locals during the day and at night during power outages.
The injured are being treated in various hospitals across Wayanad, while about 3,100 people have been moved to 45 relief camps for safety.
In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, offering all necessary assistance. He has also instructed BJP chief JP Nadda to deploy BJP workers to help with the rescue efforts. Modi announced ?2 lakh compensation for each deceased's family and ?50,000 for the injured.
Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow over the disaster and offered condolences on X (Twitter). He has also contacted CM Vijayan. President Droupadi Murmu has also offered her condolences.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has released ?5 crores from Tamil Nadu’s General Funds to aid Kerala’s relief efforts.
Wayanad and neighboring areas remain on red alert due to ongoing heavy rain. Schools and colleges have been closed for two days until further notice. Around 40 trains to and from Wayanad have been partially or completely cancelled in the past 36 hours.
So far, the postmortem of 116 bodies has confirmed their deaths were caused by the landslides. The state Health Department has set up a control room to handle the crisis. Emergency contact numbers are 9656938689 and 8086010833.
Rescue operations and efforts to locate missing persons continue with all available resources.
