As many as 56 people have died in the landslides in Wayanad district in Kerala, and over 70 people have been admitted to various hospitals. There have been landslides in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages in the district and several people are feared trapped under the debris. The death toll in Wayanad landslides is likely to go up when the bodies trapped would be recovered.
Meanwhile, rescue operations by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) faced a roadblock due to adverse climatic conditions in the region. Rescue teams are unable to reach Mundakkai which has faced the worst of landslides as the village has been cut off following the collapse of a bridge. As many as 400 families are reportedly stranded in the area.
The death toll in the Wayanad landslides has risen to 8. Those dead also include three children.
— Vani Mehrotra (@vani_mehrotra) July 30, 2024
The first landslide was reported at nearly 2 am. Later, at nearly 4.10 am, the district was struck by another landslide. #WayanadLandslide #Wayanad #Kerala pic.twitter.com/TCAWfMdaCz
Two of the helicopters deployed for rescue operations could not reach the spot due to poor visibility, further slowing down efforts to rescue the affected. The NDRF teams are now attempting to build a temporary bridge to reach Mundakkai village.
ചൂരൽമലയിലും മുണ്ടക്കൈയിലും ഉരുൾപൊട്ടൽ#WayanadLandslide #Wayanad #Landslide #KeralaRains #RaininKerala pic.twitter.com/K8tZLoxrT2
— Manorama Online (@manoramaonline) July 30, 2024
Police drones and the Dog squad will be deployed for search and rescue efforts, the Chief Minister's Office said. The Madras Engineering Group (MEG) from Bengaluru will arrive to implement alternative arrangements after the bridge collapse.
Wayanad landslide | Police drones and the Dog squad will be deployed for search and rescue efforts as instructed by the Chief Minister. An Army Engineering Group will be urgently deployed to Wayanad for rescue operations and related activities in the landslide-affected area. The…
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
Teams of NDRF, Fire, Police and Revenue department are on the ground, Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan's office said.
Wayanad landslide | Teams of NDRF, Fire, Police and Revenue department are on the ground. Around 101 people rescued till now. Shelter camp set up at Bathery St Mary’s SKMJ School in Kalpetta. Medical teams and ambulances are present and food and clothing are also arranged. There…
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
NDRF DG Piyush Anand said the rescue teams have so far evacuated 74 people, recovered 16 bodies, and rescued one person alive.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condoled the loss of lives in the tragedy.
Modi said he spoke to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre.
Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2024
Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible…
"My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon," Rahul Gandhi, said adding that he spoke to the Kerala chief minister and the Wayanad district collector and requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts.
