At least 80 people have lost their lives in massive landslides triggered by heavy rains in Wayanad on Tuesday, July 30. Hundreds remain trapped beneath the debris, raising fears of more fatalities. Rescue operations are in full swing as agencies race against time to find survivors.
Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and former MP of Wayanad, stated in Parliament that over 70 people may have perished in the disaster. The early morning landslides caught villagers off-guard, turning this hilly district's serene landscape into a devastation scene.
Rescue teams, including the Army, Navy, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are working in challenging conditions to provide critical assistance. Heavy rains have triggered landslides in Meppadi, sparking concerns about rising fatalities. Bodies are being recovered from rivers and mud, making it difficult to determine the exact number of casualties.
The affected areas include Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages, which are now cut off by the landslides. Frantic phone calls from people trapped under debris highlight the severity of the situation. Heart-wrenching scenes of people pleading for help and the injured being rushed to hospitals have been broadcast on television.
The Kerala government has sought assistance from the Defence forces, with a 43-member team from the 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) MADRAS deployed to aid the efforts. Additional soldiers, medical teams, and equipment columns have also been mobilised. Indian Air Force helicopters and the Navy's River Crossing Team are set to join the rescue operations.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has tasked his OSD, S Karthikeyan, with coordinating the rescue efforts. Principal Director of Local Self-Government Department V Sambasiva Rao has been appointed as a Special Officer to oversee the operations in Wayanad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his concern, assuring all possible help from the Centre. "Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured," Modi stated on social media. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also pledged full support from the central government.
Meanwhile, several trains have been either partially or fully cancelled, impacting travel plans across the region. The ongoing downpours have disrupted rail services, prompting authorities to make adjustments for safety and operational efficiency.
(With inputs from multiple news reports)