Massive landslides struck the steep areas around Meppadi in Kerela’s Wayanad, killing at least 256 people and injuring more than 200, according to Health Minister Veena George. The Army has rescued around 1,000 individuals, with 220 still missing as rescue operations approach the third day.
Wayanad saw three landslides on Tuesday as a result of heavy rainfall. The villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha in the district were the most severely damaged by the landslides.
Command and Control Centre set up in Kozhikode by Army for HADR efforts
The Army has established a Command and Control Centre in Kozhikode to coordinate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts, PTI reported. The Health Minister stated, “At least 1,500 Army personnel have been deployed for the rescue operation.” We have dispatched forensic surgeons.”
Kerala Health Minister Veena George stated that lakhs of people are in relief camps and experiencing mental distress. “I toured hospitals and camps. Our top priority is to provide psychological support while also controlling contagious diseases,” she continued.
The Army’s Engineer Task Force from the Madras Engineer Group is constructing a temporary Bailey bridge near Chooralmala, according to an Army post on X.
Also read: 24 die, hundreds trapped after massive landslides rock Kerala
3 search and rescue dog teams reach the spot to aid in rescue ops
An Indian Air Force plane carrying a second set of a 110-foot Bailey bridge and three search and rescue dog teams has landed in Kannur to assist with the search operations.
CM Pinarayi Vijayan to chair all-party meet in Wayanad on Thursday
An all-party meeting, chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, will be held in Wayanad on Thursday.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition, and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit relief camps on Thursday.
According to ANI, an NDRF personnel stated that there was a possibility of another landslide as heavy rainfall continued in the district. The helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been provided.
Also read: 50 devotees stuck near Uttarakhand’s Madmaheshwar after heavy rain causes landslides
IMD predicts more rainfall in Wayanad
The Indian Meteorological Department predicts further rain in Wayanad and several other districts over the next few days. The districts of Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod have received a red alert for heavy rain.
Several countries, including the United States, Russia, China, and Iran, expressed grief for the casualties caused by landslides.
