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 9:09 AM IST
According to WIMS Medical College, 48 people are under treatment and 4 bodies have been brought here so far: Medical Officer
- 30 July 2024 9:01 AM IST
Army, helicopters pressed in for service
Such is the magnitude that helicopters have been pressed in for rescue operations. According to reports, Army is constructing a makeshift bridge to reach the site, where the landslide struck.
- 30 July 2024 8:41 AM IST
Five ministers deputed to oversee rescue operations
At least five ministers have been deputed to oversee rescue operations.
Forest Minister A K Saseendran has reached the site. Minister Ramachandran Kadannappally will arrive shortly. The ministers of Revenue, Public Works, and SC/ST departments will reach Wayanad from Thiruvananthapuram by air.
- 30 July 2024 8:36 AM IST
KSRTC buses suspend operations
All KSRTC (govt-run buses) services to Wayanad have been halted, local media reports say.
- 30 July 2024 8:34 AM IST
Rescue operation in full swing
Fire and Rescue, Civil Defense, NDRF, and the local emergency response team, comprising 250 members, are engaged in rescue operations at Churamalai in Wayanad. Additional NDRF teams have been instructed to arrive at the scene shortly.
- 30 July 2024 8:34 AM IST
Control rooms opened in Wayanad
The Wayanad district administration has opened control rooms. Contact numbers: 9656938689, 8086010833
- 30 July 2024 8:18 AM IST
Over 100 people stranded in Tree Valley Estate, Mundakkai
More than 100 people are stranded in Tree Valley Estate Mundakkai, says the resort manager. Many of them are injured.
