In the Wayanad district of Kerala, over 80 bodies have been recovered after a devastating landslide. Rescue operations are still ongoing as authorities work tirelessly to reach those affected by the disaster.
According to the State Revenue Minister’s office, around 116 people have been injured in the landslide. They are currently receiving treatment at various hospitals in the district.
LATEST UPDATE: Wayanad landslide | Death toll rises to 84, a total of 116 injuries reported so far: Kerala Revenue Minister’s office
Union Minister of State George Kurian is heading to Wayanad to lead the relief and rescue operations. Acting on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s instructions, he will coordinate efforts with the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF), paramilitary forces, Kerala Government officials, and other agencies involved in the operation.
Kerala Forest Minister Saseendran has reached the affected area to assess the damage and coordinate immediate response measures. State Minister Ramachandran Kadannappalli is also expected to join the efforts on the ground. A delegation of state ministers from the Revenue, Public Works, and Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Departments is traveling by air from Thiruvananthapuram to the site.
#WATCH | Wayanad landslide: Indian Army column reached the landslide site at Chooralmala by 1200 hours. Using ropes, soldiers are being ferried across the river which is in spate to assist and carry out rescue efforts in Ward No 10 of Chooralmala: Indian Army officials
(Source:… pic.twitter.com/lOCJjLVYoC
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
An Indian Navy team from the Ezhimala Naval Base in Kannur has been dispatched to Wayanad to assist in rescue operations at Chooralmala, the area severely impacted by landslides following heavy rains. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan requested the Navy’s River Crossing team for additional support. The Army and Air Force have also been mobilized to assist in the rescue efforts, which are facing challenges due to the collapse of a main bridge in Chooralmala.
Around 200 personnel from the Indian Army’s DSC Centre in Kannur and the 122 TA Battalion from Kozhikode have been dispatched to the landslide site. The 122 TA Battalion is now on the ground, assisting in relief operations. Additionally, a team of 30 specialist swimmers from the Indian Navy has been deployed. Two helicopters from the Air Force station in Sulur have been dispatched to support the efforts.
#WATCH | Kerala: Latest visuals of the rescue operation in Chooralmala area of Wayanad where a landslide occurred earlier today claiming the lives of over 70 people. pic.twitter.com/hW5jSljBcb
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
The NDRF is actively involved in the relief operations. S Shankar Pandian, Deputy Commandant of the NDRF, stated that their teams are stationed at various locations in Wayanad. An NDRF team was also deployed in Kozhikode, where another landslide was suspected. Despite facing difficulties in reaching the interior parts of the landslide-affected area, the NDRF is committed to carrying out rescue efforts.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for eight districts in Kerala, indicating heavy rainfall. The districts under red alert are Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod. An orange alert, which signifies slightly less severe weather, has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts for today.
As rescue operations continue, the efforts of various government agencies and the military are crucial in providing relief to those affected by the landslide in Wayanad.
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