Wayanad landslide: Over 1,000 saved as rescue ops enters third day; Rahul, Priyanka to meet victims

Rescue operations in Wayanad has entered third day and till Wednesday, 1,000 persons including children have been rescued from landslide-affected areas by joint forces. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has reached Wayanad and he would review the rescue operations. He has also convened an all-party meeting to discuss rescue and relief measures.

Revenue Minister K. Rajan said it is a crucial day for rescue operations and social workers have been deployed along with the armed forces for it. “Over 1,600 personnel including social workers have been deployed for rescue operations. Chief minister will be visiting the affected areas later today.”

A review meeting of rescue operations has begun at Wayanad district collectorate. Chief Secretary K. Venu and State Police Chief Shaikh Darvesh Sahib are also accompanying the chief minister.

The Army said the construction of bailey bridge would be completed by Thursday afternoon and heavy equipment could be moved for rescue operation after that. Indian Army Brigadier Arjun Segan, Commandant of the Para Regimental Training Centre told ANI, “A metallic footbridge was built overnight and we hope the construction of bailey bridge could be completed by afternoon.” He added the bridge is of 24 ton category and construction work were progressing overnight. Heavy rescue equipment like excavators could be moved for rescue operations on completion of the bridge, officials said.

Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are en route to Wayanad and have landed at kannur Airport. The leaders will be visiting relief camps and meeting victims. Over 8,000 persons are sheltered in over 80 relief camps across the district.

Scores of still feared trapped under the debris as two major landslides triggered by torrential rains left a trail of destruction in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala and Noolpuzha villages in the wee hours of Tuesday. According to official sources, around 200 houses were completely damaged in the landslides.