As many as 63 people have been killed in the widespread destruction caused by massive landslides in Kerala's Wayanad. Rescue operations are underway, with NDRF, the Army, and other emergency services trying to reach those trapped in the debris.
Just 50 meters away from home 💔
— AB George (@AbGeorge_) July 30, 2024
A few neighbors are missing.. 😭 Visuals from Vilangad (Kozhikode District, Kerala).
Fire force and police are unable to reach the location due to heavy rain and landslide. The entire area is isolated.#KeralaRains @AsianetNewsML… pic.twitter.com/roxjsj4tbs
Rescue teams are trying to evacuate those stranded in affected hamlets, including Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, or trapped under debris. Search is also on for those who went missing after the landslides.
#Update : #Wayanad
— PRO Defence Kochi (@DefencePROkochi) July 30, 2024
122 TA Battalion mobilised and proceeded towards Wayanad at max speed.
Team reached Wayanad at 1230hr.
Rescue efforts are on.#WeCare@rajnathsingh @adgpi @IaSouthern
@SpokspersonMoD@CMOKerala https://t.co/gItfaGwDby pic.twitter.com/srSKJYlh7z
The rescue teams are unable to reach Mundakkai to assist those trapped and stranded in the village. The village was cut off from the rest of the area following the collapse of a bridge. A small team of five people from the NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) managed to reach the village.
The rescue operations are currently focused on Chooralmala.
“The Navy team will arrive from Ezhimala for rescue operations. The help of the Navy's river crossing team was requested. Navy's team of Ezhimala Naval Academy will soon return to Wayanad,” Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said.
Army's engineering group will also reach Wayanad urgently for rescue operations and related activities, the CM said in a Facebook post. The Madras Engineering Group (MEG) of the Army will arrive from Bengaluru, he added. “Army's engineering department will implement things including alternative system in the event of the bridge collapse in the landslide.”
Deeply concerned, says Amit Shah
Home Minister Amit Shah said he is deeply concerned over the landslides in Wayanad, and said the NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing. He said that a second team of the NDRF is on its way to strengthen the operations.
Deeply concerned by the incidents of landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. The NDRF is conducting search and rescue operations on a war footing. The second team is on its way to further strengthen the response operation. My condolences to the families of the deceased and prayers for the…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) July 30, 2024
Meanwhile, the Opposition members demanded in the Parliament that the government declare landslides a national disaster.
#Wayanad: Death toll rises to 54!
— Beats in Brief (@beatsinbrief) July 30, 2024
• Army has been deployed for search and rescue operations.
• 250 people have been rescued.
• LoP Rahul Gandhi appealed for compensation and support for the victims in the Lok Sabha.
• PM Modi announced ₹2 lakh for the deceased's kin. pic.twitter.com/u3MHv3FS8N
Tamil Nadu reaches out with assistance
The government of Tamil Nadu is willing to extend any logistical or manpower support, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said in a tweet.
Deeply pained to learn about the massive landslides in #Wayanad and the consequent loss of priceless lives.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) July 30, 2024
I am given to understand that many people are still trapped in the area. I am sure the rescue operations that are in full swing will save them all.
The government of…
He also announced an assistance of Rs 5 crore to Kerala.
