Wayanad, Kerala : The death toll from the devastating landslide in Wayanad district has risen to 156, with rescue operations ongoing amidst challenging conditions. This disaster, the worst in Kerala since the 2018 floods that claimed over 400 lives, has left the region in a state of mourning and emergency.
Tragedy Unfolds in Hilly Wayanad
The landslide struck near Meppadi, a hilly area of Wayanad, late on Tuesday night, causing widespread destruction. Heavy rains triggered multiple landslides in villages including Mundakkai, Churlamala, Attamala, and Nulpuzha. The Chaliyar river, swollen from the downpour, swept away several people and damaged vital infrastructure, including a major bridge connecting Churlam and Mundakkai villages.
Rescue Efforts on War Footing
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and Army personnel are leading the rescue efforts, working tirelessly to find survivors amidst the rubble of collapsed houses. As many as 225 army personnel have been deployed, with reinforcements from Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru. The NDRF has warned of the possibility of more landslides due to continuous heavy rains, which have hampered air relief operations.
Over 3,000 people have been rescued and relocated to 45 relief camps set up across the district. Local hospitals are treating at least 123 injured individuals. Authorities have reported that more than 100 people are feared trapped under the debris, with body parts discovered in the Chaliyar river and surrounding areas, indicating the scale of the tragedy.
Government Response and Aid
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has declared a two-day state mourning and is closely monitoring the situation. A meeting with senior officials and ministers in Wayanad has been convened to review the progress of the rescue operations. The Chief Minister expressed his condolences and announced compensation for the victims’ families.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with CM Vijayan, offering the federal government’s support. The Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has pledged Rs 5 crore in aid to the Kerala government.
Community Impact and Continued Vigilance
Wayanad, known for its tea and cardamom plantations, has been severely affected, with around 350 families living in the impacted area. The district authorities are gathering data to account for the missing persons, using ration card details and other government records.
As the region braces for more rainfall, with a red alert issued for several districts, the community remains vigilant. Schools and colleges in 10 out of 14 districts have been closed as a precautionary measure.
The situation remains dire, and rescue operations continue in a race against time to save as many lives as possible. The people of Wayanad, alongside the rescue teams, are showing resilience and determination in the face of this tragedy.
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