Rescue might take some more days; 4 ministers will camp in Wayanad: Kerala CM

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the rescue mission in landslides-hit Mundakkai region in Wayanad might take some more days and appointed a cabinet sub-committee comprising four ministers to coordinate the rescue efforts.

The four ministers will be camping in Wayanad to coordinate the rescue efforts.

Vijayan, who met the media after an all-party meeting, praised the efforts of the rescue workers, especially the Indian Army, and said they did a commendable job.

The chief minister told the media that the Army representatives had apprised that all those who could be saved from the debris had been rescued.

"There are so many missing people. We have recovered so many bodies from many parts of the region. The rescue workers have recovered many bodies from the Chaliyar River. Many body parts were also recovered," the chief minister added.

He said the rescue attempt is not something that will be over in a few days.

"This rescue attempt is not something which can be resolved in a short period of time. As of now, 12 ministers are camping in Wayanad. Now the all-party meeting has decided that four ministers will camp here to coordinate the rescue operations," Vijayan said.

Vijayan said Revenue Minister, K Rajan, Forest Minister AK Saseendran, PWD and Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas, and SC/ST Department Minister O R Kelu will camp in the district.