Shocking Videos Capture Flood Fury In Kerala's Wayanad; 89 Killed In Landslide

Dozens of videos of the landslide in Kerala’s Wayanad are going viral on the internet in the wake of the disaster, which has claimed at least 89 lives. At least 37 bodies have been recovered so far.

The Kerala government sought the assistance of the Defence forces for rescue operations in the wake of the devastating landslides.

‘Military Help’

A Defence PRO said 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 rescue efforts.

A Defence statement said that based on a requisition received from the Kerala government on Tuesday morning “for the rescue of approximately 250 persons likely to be stranded in a major landslide in Meppadi Panchayat” in Vythiri Taluk, two rescue columns of the Indian Army, with a strength of approximately 200 soldiers from the Defence Security Corps (DSC) Centre, Kannur, have been deployed.

Rescue and Relief Op

A medical team from Military Hospital Kannur and troops from the Territorial Army in Kozhikode have also been sent to assist in the rescue efforts. It said assistance was sought from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force. Two Relief columns from Defence Security Corps Centre, Kannur along with rescue equipment and other detachments have been deployed for rescue and relief operations.

Deputy Inspector General of the National Disaster Response Force, Bharat Bhushan Vaid said, “Our team was positioned there for pre-monsoon deployment. Two of our teams are on the way and they are likely to reach there in the afternoon today. The rain is still going on.”

250 people rescued

On Tuesday, Kerala Minister AK Saseendran assessed damages and relief efforts in the rain-ravaged and landslide hit in the Chooralmala area of Wayanad. Kerala Minister MB Rajesh confirmed the deaths of 44 people in the landslides. Rajesh said that 250 people have been rescued and were shifted to temporary shelters.  Meanwhile, political leaders, from across the spectrum, have expressed their condolences and urged immediate action.

“Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

Leaders

Congress leaders, including Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, have offered their heartfelt sympathies. Kharge called for expedited relief and rescue operations, emphasising the need for urgent medical assistance and coordination with all agencies involved.

Rahul Gandhi, who has been in contact with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the Wayanad district collector, confirmed that rescue operations are in progress. He has requested additional support from Union Ministers and urged UDF workers to aid the relief efforts. Priyanka Gandhi also conveyed her deep sadness over the devastation and urged the government to expedite relief efforts.

She called on UDF workers to assist in any way possible to support those affected by the disaster. K C Venugopal, Congress General Secretary, condemned the tragedy and appealed for robust relief measures. He confirmed that discussions with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh have yielded promises of necessary assistance, and he urged both state and central governments to intensify search and rescue operations.