Wayanad: As many as 24, including three children, were killed, while hundreds of people are feared to be trapped as massive landslides hit several hilly areas near Meppadi in the Wayanad district of Kerala early on Tuesday. According to the Wayanad district authorities, of those killed, four people, including a child, died in the Chooralmala town of the district, while a one-year-old child of a Nepali family died in the Thondernad village. Besides that, three bodies, including that of a five-year-old, were recovered from the banks of a river near Pothukal village, authorities said.
Authorities have reported that the landslides have affected and cut off several areas, including Mundakkai, Chooral Mala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages.
In a video message, UDF MLA T Siddique said district authorities were drawing up plans to airlift people from the Mundakkai area. "Currently, we have no complete information about those missing and dead in the landslides. Many areas have been cut off. NDRF personnel are trying to reach those places." he said.
According to district authorities, several families have been moved to the various camps or homes of their relatives in the wake of the landslides.
Wayanad District Collector Meghasree D R reported that disaster relief efforts are progressing in the affected areas, with rescue operations being conducted by NDRF, fire force, police, and various government departments, including Forest, Revenue, and Local Self-Government. Volunteers and local residents are also contributing to the rescue operations.
The Collector also noted that the shutter of the Banasura Sagar dam on the Karamanthodu river has been opened, and those living downstream and in low-lying areas have been warned to exercise caution.
Kerala govt seeks military help for rescue operations
In response to the devastating landslide in Wayanad district, the state government has sought the assistance of the Indian Army for rescue operations. A Defence PRO said on Tuesday that a team of 43 personnel, led by the Second-in-Command from the 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) MADRAS, has been mobilised to aid in the ongoing rescue efforts.
The team, comprising a Medical Officer, two Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and 40 soldiers, is equipped to provide critical assistance in the affected area.
Kerala CM on landslides
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Tuesday that all government agencies have mobilised for search and rescue operations following the massive landslides. Chief Minister Vijayan said in a statement that the operations will be coordinated, and state ministers will reach the hilly district to lead the rescue activities.
As per the Kerala CMO, all possible rescue operations will be coordinated in the landslide in Wayanad. "Ever since the incident came to know, the government systems have come together to rescue operations. including Ministers will reach Wayanad and lead the activities. Two teams of Kannur Defence Security Corps will soon reach the scene for rescue operations in Wayanad. Two helicopters of the Air Force will fly from Sulur at 7.30," it added.
Helpline numbers
He added that in response to the landslides and other rain-related disasters in Wayanad district, the Health Department - National Health Mission has established a control room. For emergency assistance, individuals can contact the authorities through the following numbers: 9656938689 and 8086010833.
(With agencies input)
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