Following the devastating landslide in Wayanad that has already claimed the lives of at least 98 people, the Kerala government on Tuesday declared state mourning for two days
Several rescue agencies, including the Indian Army, Fire Force, and NDRF intensified their rescue operations on Wednesday to trace people suspected to be trapped after massive landslides hit Kerala’s Wayanad district.
The landslides, which hit hilly areas near Meppadi early on Tuesday, have resulted in at least 173 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. The Army is working in close coordination with the NDRF and other agencies to carry out rescue operations in the affected areas.
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#WATCH | Kerala: Search and rescue operations continue at landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad.The death toll stands at 167.
On rescue operation in Kerala’s Wayanad, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal AP Singh said, “Our assets including helicopters are deployed in Wayanad. Yesterday, due to the weather flying was affected. Today, the operation is on.”
“People who have been elected to the Parliament don’t know how to behave on different occasions. This (Wayanad landslides) is an occasion of discussing a tragedy. Everybody has to be together, opposition is going with great heart to be together, but the government is trying to settle the score. It’s unfortunate,” said Congress leader KC Venugopal on Wayanad landslide.
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani took to his official X account and extended his support with a contribution of Rs 5 Cr to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund.
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One of the survivors from the landslide in Wayanad said 11 members of his wife’s family are still missing.
Speaking on the incident, LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, “It is a huge tragedy in Wayanad and the military is doing a good job there. I think it is important that we support the people of Wayanad and I request the Govt to help the people of Wayanad. It is the second time this tragedy has taken place, this took place 5 years ago as well. It is clear that this area has an ecological issue, so this should be looked into and whatever hi-tech solution can be brought forward, will be good.”
Maldives President Dr Mohamed Muizzu sent a message of condolence to Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the Wayanad landslide. He also expressed his hopes that the ‘rescue efforts at the site will be able to operate quickly and successfully’.
Tiny makeshift bridges were erected over swollen rivers and excavators were engaged non-stop in removing piles of debris and boulders, with rescue missions continuing in the landslide-hit hamlets of Wayanad on Wednesday. Rescue operators, including Army personnel, NDRF, state emergency service personnel, and local people, were fighting all odds to carry out the tough mission even as rain continued to lash several areas.
Kerala CM Briefs Media After Cabinet Meeting On Landslide
He further said, “Currently, there are 82 relief camps in Wayanad district, accommodating 2,017 individuals. In Meppadi, eight camps are housing 1,486 people from 421 families. Priority is being given to rescue operations in Mundakkai, and efforts are progressing well in Attamala and Chooralmala as well. Today, an additional 132 army personnel have arrived to support the rescue efforts.”
The Kerala CM also said, “Two helicopters are also being utilized for the rescue operations. Post-mortems were conducted both yesterday and last night. A team of doctors from four cooperative hospitals, including those in Kozhikode and Thalassery, will also arrive to assist.”
Amit Shah Questions Kerala Govt In Rajya Sabha
Union Home Minister Amit Shah raised questions to the Kerala government in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Shah asked why the state government did not shift people from the sensitive areas when the landslide warning was issued nearly 7 days before the tragedy.
Shah said that considering the early warning system’s alert for landslide, 9 NDRF teams were sent to Kerala on July 23 and more teams were dispatched on July 30.
Deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life in Wayanad. My heart goes out to the affected families. The Adani Group stands in solidarity with Kerala during this difficult time. We humbly extend our support with a contribution of Rs 5 Cr to the Kerala Chief Minister’s Distress…— Gautam Adani (@gautam_adani) July 31, 2024
While speaking at the Rajya Sabha, he said that the Indian government is trying it’s best for relief and rehab of the ones affected due to the landslide. He further said that PM Modi stands firmly with the people of Kerala.
1200 Personnel From Armed Forces, NDRF And Other Teams Carry Out Rescue Operations
Search and rescue operations are in progress at the landslide-affected Chooralmala area in Wayanad. At present, 1,200 rescue workers from the Indian Army, DSC Centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy, and IAF are actively involved on the ground.
#WATCH | Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah says, “… Under this early warning system, on July 23, at my direction, 9 NDRF teams were sent to Kerala considering that there could be landslides… What did the Kerala government do? Were the people shifted? And if they were… pic.twitter.com/P29bTb2buk— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2024
#WATCH | Kerala: Relief and rescue operation underway in Wayanad’s Chooralmala after a landslide broke out yesterday early morning claiming the lives of 143 people
(latest visuals) pic.twitter.com/Cin8rzwAzJ
— ANI (@ANI) July 31, 2024
Kerala Police Dog Squad Finds 5 Bodies In Mundakkai
The Kerala police dog squad has discovered five bodies at Mundakkai, including one child. Four additional bodies have been identified and will be recovered once more machinery and personnel are deployed to the area.
Indian Army along with other teams rescued 19 civilians stranded in Ela Resort and Vana Rani Resort beyond Mundkai village in Wayanad.
#WATCH | Wayanad landslide | Search and rescue operations continue at landslide-affected Chooralmala in Wayanad. At the moment, 1200 rescue workers from Indian Army, DSC centre, Territorial Army, NDRF, Indian Navy and the IAF are deployed here.The death toll stands at 158. pic.twitter.com/gRra3cuwaW
The Indian Coast Guard is actively involved in rescue and relief operations for those affected by the landslide in Wayanad. Teams from the ICG Disaster Relief units in Kochi and Beypore are on-site, offering aid and support.
Update : Day2Based on inputs from Kerala Govt. Forest Officials & Villagers, 122 Inf Battalion (TA) MADRAS, led by Sub Gijil, Sub Jayesh & Nb Sub Anilkumar along with 12 Jawans, rescued 19 civilians stranded in ElaResort & VanaRaniResort beyond Mundkayi village.#WayanadDisasterpic.twitter.com/hbyKcVtVCl— PRO Defence Kochi (@DefencePROkochi) July 31, 2024
Indian Air Force’s C-17 Globemaster carrying Indian Army personnel and parts and equipment for the construction of Bailey Bridge arrived at Kannur International Airport around 11.30 AM from Delhi.
The operation will be coordinated by Captain Puran Singh Natha Vath of the Kannur Defense Security Forces (DSC). Bridge construction materials will be delivered to Wayanad in 17 trucks to boost the search and rescue operation in the landslide-hit district of Kerala.
Rahul Gandhi Cancels Visit To Wayanad
Congress leader and Wayanad MP, Rahul Gandhi has cancelled his plan to visit the landslide-hit district. Gandhi was scheduled to visit Wayanad on Wednesday however the visit was cancelled due to the bad weather conditions in the district.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for Waynad and has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall in the region during the next 24 hours.
Siddaramaiah Announces Compensation for Kin of Kannadigas Who Died in Kerala Landslides
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the families of Kannadigas who died in landslides in neighbouring Kerala.
According to government sources, at least six people from the state are feared dead in Monday’s landslide, reported PTI.
“The death toll in Wayanad landslide continues to rise. This is a very deadly tragedy, the fact that Kannadigas lost their lives in this tragedy made it even more painful,” the CM said in a post on ‘X’.
“The deceased Kannadigas will be given a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each. I pray that the soul of the deceased may rest in peace,” he said.
Additional Indian Army Personnel Deployed for Rescue Operations
Four columns from DSC Centre, Kannur, and 122 TA Battalion are conducting combined rescue operations alongside NDRF and State rescue teams. Approximately 1,000 individuals have been rescued, and around 70 deceased individuals have been recovered, so far.
The Indian Army formulated the action plan for Wednesday’s recue operation. All six columns will execute rescue operations in conjunction with NDRF and Civil Administration. Construction of a bridge on the Meepadi – Chooralmala Road will commence, including the induction of certain earth-moving equipment to the other side of the stream utilizing air effort.
An aerial reconnaissance by Brigadier Seagan and the ETF Commander is planned for 09:30 hours. Additional resource requirements will be assessed based on the aerial reconnaissance and the needs of the civil administration, it said.
Following the tragic incident, at least 45 relief camps have been established, accommodating 3,069 people.
IMD Issues Red Alert In Kerala For Next 24 Hours
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a red alert for the mountain district of Wayanad and all northern districts of Kerala, indicating extremely heavy rainfall within the next 24 hours.
India Army Carries Rescue Operations in Wayanad
According to the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), members of the fire and rescue, civil defence, NDRF, and local emergency response teams are involved in the rescue operations.
Around 200 Indian Army personnel from DSC Centre Kannur and 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode are also at the site. Along with this, two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH, are also coordinating the rescue operations.
Apart from the four columns with a total strength of approximately 225 personnel, already deployed for the operation, two more columns consisting of at least 140 personnel are kept on standby in Thiruvananthapuram to be airlifted in case of an exigency.
The Army is also setting up a command-and-control centre at Kozhikode to coordinate HADR efforts.
Helicopter reconnaissance of the affected area is being undertaken and damage assessment is being carried out to channelise rescue operation in correct direction.
Besides the aid in terms of medicines and first aid, ECHS POLYCLINC Kalpetta is extending all possible help in terms of the Service of Doctor/ Nursing assistant and Ambulance service to the flood operation columns.
Schools, Colleges Shut In 11 Districts
In the wake of the disaster, all educational institutions will remain closed on Wednesday, July 31. A holiday has also been declared in 11 districts – Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad, Thrissur, Idukki, Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta, reported Onmanorama.
CM Vijayan Urges People to Avoid Travel To Wayanad
Following the devastating landslide in Wayanad that has already claimed the lives of at least 146 people and left 128 people injured, the Kerala government on Tuesday declared state mourning for two days.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state government is deeply saddened by the tragic incident that claimed numerous lives and resulted in the widespread destruction of homes and other property.
As per protocol, the National Flag will be kept at half-mast and all public functions and celebrations will be cancelled.
@IndiaCoastGuard is actively engaged in the rescue and relief operations for those affected by the landslide in #Wayanad. ICG Disaster Relief Team #DRT ex #Kochi & #Beypore are on the ground, providing aid and support. #ICG is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of… pic.twitter.com/8qvtdyvitB— Indian Coast Guard (@IndiaCoastGuard) July 31, 2024
The chief minister also urged people to avoid unnecessary travel to Wayanad adding that the rescue operation was the priority.
“Kerala Bank has already contributed Rs 50 lakh to CMDRF. The Chief Minister of Sikkim has pledged Rs 2 crore, and Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin has promised Rs 5 crore in aid,” he said about the relief aid.
CM Chairs High-Level Meeting
A high-level meeting was held on Tuesday under the leadership of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to coordinate Wayanad rescue operations and discuss further steps.
The CM assessed the rescue operations and reviewed the coordination with the agencies under the central government, the deployment of disaster response forces, health and safety precautions and the facilities in the relief camps.
Over 150 Died in Wayanad Landslides
Over 150 people died and 180 injured after massive landslides hit hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district early on Tuesday. Around 150 people have been rescued from Mudakkai village, provided medical aid and evacuated to safer places.
At least 94 bodies have been brought to the makeshift mortuary for identification in Mepaddi. Additionally, 32 bodies, and 25 body parts are expected be brought here from Nelamboor.
The landslides that, occurred between 2 AM and 4 AM, primarily impacted Mundakai and Chooralmala. Rescue efforts are hampered in Mundakai due to blocked roads and unstable terrain.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern and assured that the Central government will provide all necessary assistance to manage the crisis.
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