Wayanad, Kerala: The death toll from the massive landslide triggered by heavy rains in Kerala’s Wayanad district has tragically risen to 36. The disaster struck hilly areas near Meppadi on Tuesday morning, leaving several villages devastated. Among the worst affected are Mundakkai, Choorlamala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha.
Desperate Search for Survivors
Rescue operations are underway, but the relentless downpour is hampering efforts to reach those trapped under debris. Many people remain unaccounted for, their fate uncertain. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has deployed fire brigades and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to the affected areas. An additional NDRF team is en route to Wayanad. Meanwhile, two teams from the Kannur Defence Security Corps are assisting in rescue efforts.
Chief Minister’s Directive and Mining Ban
In response to the catastrophe, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has ordered the cancellation of all government programs scheduled for today. Additionally, the Palakkad administration has imposed a ban on mining activities in the district until further notice.
Armed Forces and Weather Alerts
The Indian Army’s DSC Centre in Kannur has dispatched two flood relief teams to rescue stranded individuals and government personnel in Vythiri taluk. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy’s Defence Security Corps personnel are mobilizing toward the landslide sites for search and rescue operations. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has upgraded the heavy rain alert to ‘Red’ for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasargod. Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad are under an orange alert.
Condolences and Relief Measures
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives and assured Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of all possible assistance from the Centre. The Prime Minister announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased, while the injured will receive Rs 50,000.
Amit Shah, too, expressed concern via social media, emphasizing the urgency of NDRF’s search and rescue operations. He extended condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Villages Cut Off
Mundakkai, Choorlamala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages are among the hardest-hit areas, completely cut off by the landslide. District officials have relocated many families to camps or their relatives’ homes in the wake of the disaster.
Train Services Disrupted
Several train services have been affected:
- Train number 16305 (Ernakulam-Kannur Intercity Express) will halt at Thrissur.
- Train No. 16791 (Tirunelveli-Palakkad Palaruvi Express) will stop at Aluva.
- Train No. 16302 (Thiruvananthapuram-Shoranur Venad Express) will be halted at Chalakudy.
