11, including children killed, hundreds feared trapped as massive landslides hit Kerala’s Wayanad
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has said that Fireforce and NDRF teams have been deployed to the affected area, with an additional NDRF team en route to Wayanad.
Wayanad: As many as 11, including three children, were killed, while hundreds of people are feared to be trapped as massive landslides hit several hilly areas near Meppadi in the Wayanad district of Kerala early on Tuesday. According to the Wayanad district authorities, of those killed, four people, including a child, died in the Chooralmala town of the district, while a one-year-old child of a Nepali family died in the Thondernad village. Besides that, three bodies, including that of a five-year-old, were recovered from the banks of a river near Pothukal village, authorities said.
“Death toll rises to 11. Six bodies brought to Meppadi Community Health Centre and 5 to a private medical college,” Kerala Health Minister Veena George said.
Authorities have reported that the landslides have affected and cut off several areas, including Mundakkai, Chooral Mala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages.
In a video message, UDF MLA T Siddique said district authorities were drawing up plans to airlift people from the Mundakkai area. “Currently, we have no complete information about those missing and dead in the landslides. Many areas have been cut off. NDRF personnel are trying to reach those places.” he said.
According to district authorities, several families have been moved to the various camps or homes of their relatives in the wake of the landslides.
Wayanad District Collector Meghasree D R reported that disaster relief efforts are progressing in the affected areas, with rescue operations being conducted by NDRF, fire force, police, and various government departments, including Forest, Revenue, and Local Self-Government. Volunteers and local residents are also contributing to the rescue operations.
The Collector also noted that the shutter of the Banasura Sagar dam on the Karamanthodu river has been opened, and those living downstream and in low-lying areas have been warned to exercise caution.
Kerala CM on landslides
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Tuesday that all government agencies have mobilised for search and rescue operations following the massive landslides. Chief Minister Vijayan said in a statement that the operations will be coordinated, and state ministers will reach the hilly district to lead the rescue activities.
As per the Kerala CMO, all possible rescue operations will be coordinated in the landslide in Wayanad. “Ever since the incident came to know, the government systems have come together to rescue operations. including Ministers will reach Wayanad and lead the activities. Two teams of Kannur Defence Security Corps will soon reach the scene for rescue operations in Wayanad. Two helicopters of the Air Force will fly from Sulur at 7.30,” it added.
Helpline numbers
He added that in response to the landslides and other rain-related disasters in Wayanad district, the Health Department – National Health Mission has established a control room. For emergency assistance, individuals can contact the authorities through the following numbers: 9656938689 and 8086010833.
Rescue operation
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said that Fireforce and NDRF teams have been deployed to the affected area.
Additionally, two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps have been instructed to move to Wayanad to assist in the rescue efforts, according to a Facebook post by the KSDMA. Two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH, will depart from Sulur to aid in the rescue operations and coordinate efforts.
It is pertinent to mention that the rescue operations are being hindered by ongoing heavy rainfall.
Landslides have been reported on Meppadi, Mubadakkai, and Chooral Mala hills. The first landslide occurred in Mubadakkai around 1 am, followed by another in Chooral Mala at 4 am, during which rescue operations were underway. A school serving as a camp, a house, and a school bus were reportedly inundated with mud and water.
Approximately 400 families are stranded due to a collapsed bridge in Chooral Mala town. Many people are injured, and numerous houses have been washed away. The extent of the damage is currently undetermined because of a power outage in the area.
Rahul Gandhi expresses condolences
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi expressed condolences to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. “I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon,” he said.
The Congress leader said that he have have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. “I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad. I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations,” he added.
I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024
I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad…
(With PTI inputs)
News Source:- INDIA TV
