Amid relentless rainfall in Wayanad, Kerala, a landslide has struck, trapping over 100 people. A large-scale rescue operation is underway to save those buried under the debris. Health Minister Veena George reported that 47 people have died so far, including some children. Both the Army and Navy have been deployed for the rescue operation.
The landslide occurred around 2 AM Tuesday, followed by another at about 4:10 AM. As a result, over 100 people are trapped in the rubble, necessitating ongoing rescue operations. The death toll may rise as the rescue efforts advance.
16 People Hospitalized
Kerala's Chief Secretary V Venu revealed that the landslide occurred twice. Sixteen injured victims are now receiving treatment at a private hospital in Meppadi, Wayanad. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating all possible rescue efforts. The government is fully mobilized in the rescue mission. State ministers may visit the site today.
PM Announces Compensation
Prime Minister Modi has announced a compensation of 2 lakh rupees from the Prime Minister's Relief Fund for the families of those who lost their lives in the landslide in Wayanad. Additionally, 50,000 rupees will be given to the injured.
Source: aajtak
Army Deployed
Due to the severity of the disaster, a request was made for army involvement in the rescue operation. Consequently, four army units, including two from the 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and two from the Kannur DSC Center, have been deployed. The total number of army personnel involved in the rescue mission is approximately 225, including medical staff.
According to the area's CMO, severe rainfall triggered the landslide in Wayanad. The National Health Mission has set up a control room, and emergency helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been activated for assistance. Two Mi-17 helicopters and one ALH from the Air Force will depart from Sulur, Tamil Nadu, at 7:30 AM.
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250 Rescuers on the Ground
The rescue operation in Wayanad's Chooralmala involves 250 personnel from fire and rescue, civil defense, NDRF, and local emergency response teams. An additional NDRF team has been directed to reach the site promptly.
Red Alert in Five Kerala Districts
The state government has issued a red alert for five districts: Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram. Extra precautions are advised in these areas.
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Statement from CMO
The CMO released a statement post-landslide, announcing the restriction of non-essential vehicles on the Thamarassery pass to ensure unhampered rescue activities. The pathway will remain clear for transport of essential rescue materials to Mundakkai.
Directives for Government Employees
Wayanad's Collector has directed government officials to remain at their offices and assist in coordinating rescue and relief operations as required. No one is to leave the district without prior permission.
Rahul Gandhi's Connection to Wayanad
It’s worth noting that Wayanad is the former parliamentary constituency of Rahul Gandhi, a prominent leader of the Congress party and the current opposition leader in Lok Sabha. Rahul Gandhi won the Lok Sabha elections from Wayanad along with Raebareli this year (2024), though he later vacated the Wayanad seat.
