Tragic Landslides in Wayanad Claim 308 Lives

On Friday, Kerala‘s Health Minister Veena George confirmed that 308 people have died due to multiple landslides that struck Wayanad on July 30.

The rescue and relief operations are currently taking place in the areas of Chooralmala and Mundakkai, which were severely impacted by the landslides.

As of now, authorities have recovered 195 bodies and 113 body parts, as rescue teams continue their tireless efforts.

In a significant move, the Indian Army has provided a 190-feet Bailey Bridge to connect Chooralmala and Mundakkai, which were cut off by the landslides. This bridge will facilitate easier access for rescue operations.

According to a statement from the Defence department, heavy earth-moving equipment has been moved to the area, and the civil administration is managing vehicle movement.

This morning, search operations featuring dog squads and relief teams began at 7 AM. Ten teams, each with 30 members made up of Armed Forces personnel and police, are actively searching the affected areas.

The impacted region has been divided into six zones to organize the search more effectively. These zones include areas like Punchirimattom, Mundekkai, the School area, Chooralmala town, the Village area, and Downstream.

Rescue and relief operations are being coordinated by the Army, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the local civil administration. They are working to promptly evacuate those trapped and provide essential services and medical support.

In a show of support, former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi visited the sites affected by the disaster on Thursday, interacting with displaced residents currently in shelter camps. The Congress leaders have decided to stay in Wayanad for further assistance.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also convened a high-level meeting to evaluate the ongoing situation. He emphasized that rescue operations are the top priority, with rehabilitation efforts to follow swiftly.

The Chief Minister’s appeal for donations to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) has seen a positive response, with contributions pouring in from local residents and businesses. The initiative aims to strengthen public trust in the relief fund, despite some negative feedback.