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The devastating landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have claimed the lives of 143 people, with hundreds more feared trapped. Rescue operations are ongoing in the affected areas, with various agencies working tirelessly to locate and rescue those who are missing. The Indian Army has deployed 300 personnel for search and rescue efforts, while another 140 are on standby in Thiruvananthapuram, ready to be airlifted at short notice if required.
The magnitude of the disaster has prompted a significant response from various agencies. Naval teams and helicopters from the Indian Air Force have been mobilized to assist the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army. Defence Ministry officials have confirmed the deployment of disaster relief teams and the airlifting of rescue dog teams to aid in the search and rescue operations.
The heavy rainfall that has battered Kerala has exacerbated the situation, with blocked roads hindering relief efforts. In the 24 hours preceding the landslides, the state recorded 372 mm of rainfall, triggering three massive landslides in Wayanad within a mere four hours. The weather department has issued a warning of more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the next few days. Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod districts are under an orange alert, while Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts are under an orange alert.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring the LDF government of all necessary assistance. He also instructed BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure that party workers contribute to the rescue efforts. The Prime Minister's Office has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the landslides, and Rs 50,000 for those injured. The landslides have caused widespread destruction, leaving behind a trail of devastation. Homes have been destroyed, water bodies have overflowed, and trees have been uprooted. The picturesque villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha have been isolated from other areas, leaving numerous individuals stranded.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting to assess the ongoing rescue operations and review the health and safety arrangements at the relief camps. The focus of the authorities remains on providing immediate assistance to the affected communities and ensuring the safety of those who have been displaced. The disaster highlights the importance of disaster preparedness and the need for robust infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events. The Kerala government, along with various agencies, is working tirelessly to provide relief to the affected areas and restore normalcy to the lives of those impacted by the devastating landslides.
Source: Death Count In Wayanad Landslides Reaches 143, Rescue Ops On: 10 Points