In Wayanad landslide Toll rises to 50, Army deployed for rescue operation
#News Bureau July30,2024
Wayanad landslide updates: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to Kerala CM on the crisis and assured of all the help from the Centre
A major rain-induced landslide devastated Kerala’s Wayanad district claiming at least 45 lives, including that of a Nepali national, while hundreds are feared trapped. Among the victims was a one-year-old child from a Nepali family. The landslide isolated at least four villages: Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that two Air Force helicopters had been dispatched to the hilly district to airlift the affected families.
The NDRF recovered several bodies and rescued one person alive during the search operation in the debris. The Indian Army has been deployed at the site to ramp up the rescue efforts. The total strength of the Army deployed is about 225, including medical personnel.
Wayanad Landslide: Early Hours Overview
The deaths were reported in the Chooralmala and Thondernad areas of Wayanad, about 460 kilometers north of Thiruvananthapuram.
Authorities have launched a search and rescue operation, working to move affected people to safe shelters. UDF MLA T Siddique mentioned plans to airlift people from the Mundakkai area.
“Currently, we have no complete information about those missing and dead in the landslides… NDRF personnel are trying to reach those places,” Siddique said.
Rahul Gandhi Speaks with Kerala CM
Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the crisis and offered condolences to the bereaved families. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Gandhi stated he had spoken to the Chief Minister and would discuss with the Centre to ensure all possible assistance for Wayanad.
“I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon,” he said.
Wayanad Landslide: Rescue Efforts and Current Situation
- The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) reported that Fireforce and NDRF teams were already on-site, with additional NDRF teams being mobilized to expedite rescue efforts.
- Officials indicated that ongoing heavy rainfall in the region has hindered rescue operations, which are likely to take some time.
- Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that heavy rainfall is expected to continue in the state’s northern hilly areas.
- Initial reports suggest that around 29 houses have been partially damaged in Wayanad, and 700 people have been moved to shelter camps.
Heavy Rainfall Prediction in Wayanad on July 30
- The rainfall has also contributed to rising water levels in rivers flowing through the region, posing an additional challenge.
- The districts of Wayanad and Kannur are on a ‘red’ alert for today, according to the IMD, predicting extremely heavy rainfall. A ‘red’ alert indicates the possibility of over 20 cm of rainfall in a region within 24 hours.
(With inputs from agencies)
