Wayanad landslide LIVE | 125 dead, many feared trapped under debris; rescue underway
The first landslide reportedly struck Mundakkai Town around 1 am, while the second one struck 3 hours later, at Chooraal Mala School, which was serving as a camp
At least 125 people have been killed massive landslides triggered by heavy rains in Wayanad on Tuesday (July 30) while hundreds are trapped beneath the debris, sparking fears of mounting fatalities, even as rescue agencies were racing against time to pull out any survivors.
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.
The dead includes women and children. The bodies of the deceased are being taken to various hospital morgues for identification and autopsy.
Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages were among the areas affected and cut off by the landslides.
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
- 30 July 2024 10:31 AM IST
Health minister confirms 24 deaths in Meppady
Kerala Health Minister confirms Meppady hospitals receiving 24 bodies.Over 70 people have been hospitalised in Meppady, which has two large hospitals and a PHC.Another seven bodies have been reported downstream, between Chaliyar and Munderi in Malappuram district. - 30 July 2024 10:27 AM IST
Multiple NDRF teams, two Army helicopters to join rescue efforts
Multiple NDRF teams, two Army helicopters and other rescue efforts are on their way to Mundakkai.
State Revenue Minister K Rajan said one team of NDRF is working to clear the debris and create access as they progress towards Mundakkai.
Three more NDRF teams from Kollam, Arakkonam, and Bengaluru are also on their way, Rajan said.
“Mundakkai is in the foothills of a nearby mountain. The issue is that the area was totally cut off due to the destruction of a bridge. Now efforts are on to make a temporary bridge to facilitate the crossing of the rescue team,” Rajan said.
He also said the extent of the damage has not yet been determined.
“One team of NDRF is clearing the way as they progress towards Mundakkai. Three more teams will arrive by afternoon. Two choppers of the Army will also reach soon,” Rajan said.
He further said bodies were recovered downstream of the Chaliyar river.
“Nearly 70 people have been admitted to various hospitals in Kozhikode; at least 12 bodies are there in the hospitals,” Rajan added.
Ministers Rajan, PA Mohammed Riyas and O Kelu are expected to reach Wayanad soon. Minister AK Saseendran has already reached the place and is visiting the injured. Another state Minister, Ramachandran Kadannappally has also reached the place.
Police and the Health department have started multiple call centres and control rooms.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level evaluation meeting and visited the State Disaster Management Authority office in the state capital to assess the situation.
Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages were among the areas affected and cut off by the landslides, authorities said.
Wayanad district Collector Meghasree DR said disaster relief work is progressing in affected areas and rescue operations are being carried out by the NDRF, Fire force, police and the Forest, Revenue and Local Self-government departments.
Along with government agencies, volunteers and local residents are cooperating in the rescue operation, she said in a statement.
According to district authorities, several families have been moved to the various camps or homes of their relatives in the wake of the landslides.
- 30 July 2024 9:50 AM IST
Wayanad: Banasura Dam opened
The shutters of the Banasura Sagar Dam, Wayanad, have been opened. District Collector asked residents living in low-lying areas to stay vigilant. Water is being released from the dam at a rate of 8.5 cubic meters per second. The spillway shutters will gradually release up to 35 cubic meters per second. The excess water is being released as the dam’s storage capacity reaches 773.50 m.
- 30 July 2024 9:15 AM IST
PM assures Kerala all help; asks Union ministers to chip in
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed anguish over the loss of lives in landslides in Kerala's Wayanad district and assured Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of all possible help from the Centre to deal with the crisis.
The prime minister announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.
Official sources said the prime minister also spoke to the two Union ministers from the state, Suresh Gopi and George Kurien, over the prevailing situation.
Modi has asked BJP president J P Nadda to mobilise party workers in the region to assist in the ongoing relief work, they said.
- 30 July 2024 9:11 AM IST
PM announces financial aid for victims' kin
PM announces financial aid for victims' kin
