Wayanad landslide LIVE | 125 dead, many feared trapped under debris; rescue underway
Red alert has been sounded in Kozhikod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kasarkod and Malappuram districts
Red alert has been sounded in Kozhikod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kasarkod and Malappuram districts.
It is feared that the area near Meppadi, Wayanad, received around 40 cm of rain over the past few days, excluding yesterday’s rainfall.
The total rainfall is estimated at 70 cm in a span of five days, increasing the area's propensity for landslides.
NDRF deployed for rescue operations
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said all government agencies have joined the search and rescue operations.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has said that fire-fighting personnel and National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to the affected areas, with an additional NDRF team on its way to Wayanad. The NDRF is reportedly considering airlifting options.
Two teams of Kannur Defence Security Corps have also been instructed to move to Wayanad to assist in the rescue efforts, according to a Facebook post by the KSDMA.
The operations will be coordinated, and state ministers will reach the hilly district to lead the rescue activities, Pinarayi said in a statement issued by his office.
He added that in the wake of the landslides and other rain-related disasters in Wayanad district, the Health Department — National Health Mission — has opened a control room. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities through these two numbers — 9656938689 and 8086010833 — the statement said.
Rescue operations are reportedly being hindered by ongoing heavy rainfall and power cuts in the region.