News Brief
Landslides In Kerala's Wayanad: Over 140 Dead, Hundreds Feared Trapped Amid Ongoing Rescue Operations
Pic Via X
A series of landslides struck Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday (30 July), leading to the death of at least 143 people and injuring around 186 others.
Hundreds more people are believed to be trapped as government agencies continue rescue operations in the disaster-hit areas. Several families have reported their loved ones as missing.
Around 300 Indian Army personnel have been deployed to Wayanad for search-and-rescue operations, with an additional 140 on standby in Thiruvananthapuram.
Naval units and Air Force helicopters were mobilised to support the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army, with disaster relief teams and rescue dog squads also being airlifted.
Continuous heavy rainfall has severely affected Kerala, with road blockages hindering relief efforts. The state recorded 372 mm rainfall in 24 hours before three landslides hit Wayanad district in four hours, NDTV reported.
The weather department forecasts further rainfall for Wayanad and other districts over the next couple of days.
The department has issued alert for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured full support to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and has also asked BJP chief J P Nadda to mobilise party workers for rescue efforts.
The Prime Minister's Office has declared a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
The landslides caused significant destruction, destroying homes, swelling water bodies, and uprooting trees. Villages such as Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha are isolated, stranding many residents.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan led a high-level meeting on Tuesday evening to assess rescue operations and review health and safety measures at relief camps.
The state Health Department has established a control room for emergency assistance. Those in need can contact the authorities at helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.
