At least 256 people died and over 200 were left injured as rain-induced landslides struck Wayanad in Kerala. Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has urged Home Minister Amit Shah to classify the incident as a ‘calamity of severe nature’ under MPLADS guidelines. Meanwhile, former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi visited the accident site in Chooralmala with his sister Priyanka Gandhi on Thursday afternoon.
Rescue operations led by the Indian Army remained underway at three locations — Attamala, Mundakkai, and Chooralmala — on Thursday afternoon. Former MP Rahul Gandhi also visited the landslide-affected area with his sister and Wayanad MP hopeful Priyanka Gandhi.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have arrived in Wayanad by road after landing at Kannur airport at 9.30 am.
Three landslides hit Wayanad on Tuesday following heavy rain. The worst affected villages were Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha.
ALSO READ: Death toll in Wayanad landslides climbs to 256, over 200 injured and 220 still missing in one of worst-ever disasters in Kerala
Meanwhile, a Command and Control Centre has been established in Kozhikode by the Indian Army to coordinate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. Kerala minister Veena George stated, “At least 1,500 Army personnel have been deployed for the rescue operation. We have deployed forensic surgeons.”
On Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will chair and all-party meeting in Wayanad.
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.
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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.
