Kerala: In a heart-wrenching incident, massive landslides triggered by heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Kerala’s Wayanad district, resulting in at least 123 confirmed deaths and leaving hundreds more feared trapped. The disaster, which struck early today, has caused widespread destruction, destroying homes, swelling water bodies, and uprooting trees across the region.
The villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha are among the most severely affected areas, now cut off from the rest of the district. Rescue operations are in full swing, with combined efforts from the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state disaster response teams, police, and fire services working tirelessly to evacuate stranded individuals.
Kerala Chief Minister announced two days of official mourning in response to the tragedy. Public events and celebrations have been postponed, and the national flag will be flown at half-mast during this period. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for immediate action, stating, “Steps have been initiated to deliver food and essential supplies. Two vehicles carrying 20,000 litres of drinking water will arrive at the disaster area.”
The scale of the disaster has prompted a significant mobilization of resources. The Indian Army has reported rescuing around 150 people from Mudakkayi village alone, providing medical aid and evacuating them to safer locations. Additional army columns, totalling approximately 365 personnel, have been deployed or are on standby for the operation.
The Indian Navy has dispatched a team of 30 specialist swimmers, while two Indian Air Force helicopters have been deployed for search and rescue operations. The Fire Force has deployed 321 members in Wayanad, and an NDRF team of 60 members has reached the district, with an additional 89-member team en route from Bengaluru.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai reported to the Rajya Sabha that more than 250 people have been evacuated to safer locations, with 300 personnel deployed for rescue operations in the Meppadi area of Wayanad.
The disaster has triggered a wave of support from various quarters. Kerala Bank has contributed Rs 50 lakh to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF). The Chief Ministers of Sikkim and Tamil Nadu have pledged Rs 2 crore and Rs 5 crore in aid, respectively.
The Kerala Chief Minister has urged citizens to contribute to the CMDRF, stating, “Nothing can replace the loss of loved ones or possessions, but we must extend our support and lift those affected.”
As rescue efforts continue, authorities are urging the public to avoid unnecessary travel to the affected areas, as it is causing significant blockages and hampering rescue operations. The Kerala Chief Minister stressed, “The arrival of unnecessary vehicles is causing significant blockages and must be strictly avoided. Everyone must be prepared to cooperate.”
The disaster has also impacted infrastructure in neighbouring areas. A travel ban has been imposed on the Munnar Gap Road in Idukki, and the bridge leading to the Mankulam-Kurathikkudi region in Idukki has collapsed.
Currently, 3,069 people are being housed in 45 relief camps across Wayanad. Five ministers are coordinating the relief and rescue operations. A shelter camp has been established at St. Mary’s SKMJ School in Bathery, Kalpetta, with medical teams, ambulances, and provisions for food and clothing on-site.
The tragedy has drawn national attention, with Union Minister JP Nadda, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressing condolences and praying for the success of rescue operations. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and various party leaders, also have offered their assistance and assured their support in addressing the crisis.
PM Modi has already announced Rs 2 lakhs ex-gratia for the next of kin of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
President Murmu took to X to express her condolences and wrote, “Pained by the loss of lives in massive landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for the success of rescue operations.”
Pained by the loss of lives in massive landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. My condolences to the bereaved families. I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured and for the success of rescue operations.
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) July 30, 2024
Odisha CM Mohan Majhi also expressed condolences on X, “I am saddened and saddened to hear about the death of a large number of people in the devastating landslide in Wayanad, Kerala. Deepest condolences to the bereaved families and best wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured.”
କେରଳ ୱାଏନାଡରେ ଘଟିଥିବା ଭୟଙ୍କର ଭୂସ୍ଖଳନରେ ବହୁସଂଖ୍ୟକ ଲୋକ ମୃତ୍ୟୁବରଣ କରିବା ଘଟଣା ବିଷୟରେ ଶୁଣି ମୁଁ ଦୁଃଖିତ ଏବଂ ମର୍ମାହତ।
ଶୋକସନ୍ତପ୍ତ ପରିବାରବର୍ଗଙ୍କୁ ଗଭୀର ସମବେଦନା ଜଣାଇବା ସହ ଆହତ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କ ଆଶୁ ଆରୋଗ୍ୟ କାମନା କରୁଛି।
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) July 30, 2024
Emergency contact numbers have been released:
Toll-Free: 1077
District Level – DEOC:
04936 204151
9562804151
8078409770
Sulthan Bathery Taluk TEOC:
04936 223355
04936 220296
6238461385
Mananthavady:
04935 241111
04935 240231
9446637748
Vythiri:
04936 256100
Also Read: PM Modi Condoles Loss of Lives Due to Landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad
Also Read: Bodies float, bridge destroyed, houses washed away as 3 back-to-back landslides strike Wayanad
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