At least 256 people have died, and over 200 were injured after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad, according to Health Minister Veena George. The Army has rescued around 1,000 people, but 220 are still missing as rescue operations enter their third day.
Three landslides hit Wayanad on Tuesday following heavy rain. The worst affected villages were Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha.
A Command and Control Centre has been established in Kozhikode by the Army to coordinate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. George stated, “At least 1,500 Army personnel have been deployed for the rescue operation. We have deployed forensic surgeons.”
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George added that thousands of people are in relief camps in Wayanad and are experiencing mental trauma. “I visited the hospitals and camps. Our priority is to provide psychological support and focus on controlling contagious diseases,” she said.
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The Army’s Engineer Task Force from Madras Engineer Group is constructing a temporary Bailey bridge in Chooralmala, as noted in an Army post on X. An Indian Air Force plane carrying another 110-feet Bailey bridge and three search and rescue dog teams has landed in Kannur to aid in the search operations.
An all-party meeting, chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, will be held in Wayanad on Thursday. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have arrived in Wayanad and will visit the relief camps. They travelled to Wayanad by road after landing at Kannur airport at 9.30 am.
ALSO READ: ‘Kerala was warned…Had it heeded…’: Amit Shah on Wayanad landslides
An NDRF personnel said that there are chances of another landslide as heavy rainfall continues in the district. Helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued for assistance.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the next couple of days. A red alert for heavy rain has been issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod districts.
Several countries, including the US, Russia, China, and Iran, have expressed condolences over the deaths caused by the landslides.
