Wayanad landslides: Death toll crosses 250, 190 still missing; Army intensifies search ops

• Image Credit: Google

• Aug 1, 2024 | Guriya Khatun

The landslides, which occurred on Tuesday after heavy rainfall, severely impacted Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages in the district.

Digital Desk: At least 256 people have lost their lives and over 200 have been injured following devastating landslides in the hilly regions near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad district, according to Health Minister Veena George. The Army has successfully rescued around 1,000 individuals, but more than 190 people remain missing, as reported by news agency PTI.

The landslides, which occurred on Tuesday after heavy rainfall, severely impacted Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages in the district. The Army has established a Command and Control Centre in Kozhikode to coordinate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations, PTI added.

Rescue efforts resumed on the third day, involving teams from the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), among other agencies. Each team will be supported by a dog squad.

Latest Developments in Wayanad Landslides

• The Army's Engineer Task Force from the Madras Engineer Group is constructing a temporary Bailey bridge in Chooralmala, as reported on X.
• An Indian Air Force plane has delivered a 110-foot Bailey bridge and three search and rescue dog teams to Kannur to assist in the operations.
• A total of 225 Army personnel, in coordination with the NDRF and other agencies, were the first responders and have been actively involved in search and rescue efforts.
• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will chair an all-party meeting in Wayanad on Thursday.
• An NDRF official indicated to ANI that the risk of further landslides remains due to ongoing heavy rainfall in the district. Helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued for public assistance.
• The Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted additional rain for Wayanad and several neighboring districts, with a red alert issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod.
• Several countries, including the US, Russia, China, and Iran, have expressed their condolences for the victims of the landslides.
• Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra are scheduled to visit the relief camps in Wayanad on Thursday.