AAJ Tak Live: Wayanad Landslides Kill 43, Hundreds trapped

A devastating natural disaster struck Kerala’s Wayanad district early on Tuesday, leaving at least 24 people dead and several others feared trapped. The hilly areas near Meppadi bore the brunt of massive landslides triggered by torrential monsoon rains.

Rescue operations are underway, with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) mobilizing Fireforce and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to the affected region. An additional NDRF team and two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps are en route to assist in the rescue efforts.

Areas Affected and Rescue Challenges

Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages have been severely impacted and cut off by the landslides. As authorities grapple with the situation, families have been evacuated to various camps or relatives’ homes.

Chaliyar River: Many people are feared washed away in the Chaliyar River, flowing towards the Nilambur region in Malappuram.

Infrastructure Damage: Several houses, shops, and vehicles lie buried under debris in Mundakkai. A washed-out bridge further complicates rescue efforts.

Government Response and Assistance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

Expressed concern over the loss of lives and assured all possible assistance from the central government. An ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) will be given to the next of kin of each deceased individual, with Rs. 50,000 for the injured.

Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured.

Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2024

“Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” Modi said in a post on X.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan:

Assured army assistance to build a temporary bridge, evacuate people by helicopter, and establish necessary arrangements at the disaster site.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi:

Extended condolences to the bereaved families and emphasized coordination with all agencies for relief efforts. He wrote on X,  “I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts.”

In response to the devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, the Health Department has established a control room with two helpline numbers for emergency assistance:

1. 9656938689
2. 8086010833

These helpline numbers are available for residents and individuals seeking aid during this crisis.