Wayanad: At least 43 people died and over 70 were injured after massive landslides hit hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district early on Tuesday. According to government sources, 250 people have been rescued from the hilly areas so far.
The landslides, occurring between 2am and 4am, primarily impacted Mundakai and Chooralmala.
Rescue efforts are hampered in Mundakai due to blocked roads and unstable terrain. A total of 250 personnel from Fire and Rescue, Civil Defence, NDRF, and local teams are working in Chooralmala.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern and assured that the Central government will provide all necessary assistance to manage the crisis.
Meanwhile, the Kerala Health Department has opened a control room and has released an emergency contact number in the wake of the landslides and other rain-related disasters.
BJP MP and Union Minister JP Nadda in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday called the Wayanad landslides a national tragedy. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and assured the Centre’s support to address the issue. Nadda assured the Upper House that the government is coordinating closely with the state and will take all necessary actions.
Kerala Revenue Minister K. Rajan’s office has announced that teams from the NDRF, Fire Department, Police, and Revenue Department are on-site at the landslide locations in Wayanad. The office also stated that earth excavators are needed to advance the rescue operations.
He stated that around 101 people have been 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.
