Wayanad landslides LIVE | Toll rises to 243; Kerala CM slams Amit Shah on warning claims
Massive landslides triggered by heavy rain struck Wayanad on Tuesday while hundreds are still trapped beneath the debris, sparking fears of mounting fatalities
Search and rescue operations have begun for the second day at the landslide-ravaged sites of Kerala’s Wayanad district, as rescue agencies race against time to pull out any survivors.
Till 6 pm am on Wednesday (July 31), 243 people had been confirmed dead after massive landslides triggered by heavy rains struck the hilly and forested Wayanad early on Tuesday (July 30). Based on the number of post-mortems conducted, 123 deaths have been officially confirmed, and 75 bodies have been identified.
Hundreds are still trapped beneath the debris, sparking fears of mounting fatalities.
Rescue teams comprising the Army, Navy, and NDRF are collectively looking for survivors amid rough weather, and multiple agencies are working in tandem to provide critical assistance to those affected.
According to a senior government source, heavy rains triggered a series of massive landslides in hilly areas of Meppadi in the district. Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages were among the areas affected and cut off by the landslides.
The dead includes women and children. The bodies of the deceased are being taken to various hospital morgues for identification and autopsy.
In a bid to rapidly evacuate stranded persons, two Indian Air Force helicopters from Air Force Station Sulur have been dispatched to the affected area.
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Live Updates
- 31 July 2024 8:38 AM IST
Data collection begins to determine number of missing
District authorities in Kerala’s landslide-struck Wayanad on Wednesday started collecting data to determine the number of people missing following the massive tragedy, as rescue operations resumed to trace persons suspected to be trapped.
A special team at the District Emergency Operation Centre is compiling data on the number of people residing in the area, those found after the landslide, and the number of persons missing, a district administration official told reporters early Wednesday.
The official said data on individuals is being collected by reviewing ration card details and other government documents. Members of several families have reported that their loved ones remain untraced.
The government has prioritised saving as many lives as possible, providing medical care to the injured, and relocating others to safer areas.
In Wayanad, 45 relief camps have been established, accommodating 3,069 people.
Various rescue agencies resumed their operations early in the morning to trace people suspected to be trapped in the tragedy.
- 31 July 2024 8:26 AM IST
Veena George meets with accident on way to Wayanad
Kerala Health Minister Veena George's vehicle met with a minor accident near Manjeri in Malappuram district. She was travelling to Wayanad. She has suffered minor injuries and is being treated at Manjeri Medical College: State Health Department and Local Police - 31 July 2024 7:57 AM IST
Day 2: Operation Mundakkai set to begin
A team of 150-member strong contingent is all set to enter Mundakkai for search and rescue operations. Local media reports say helicopters might be used, given the terrain and adverse weather conditions
