Death toll in Wayanad Landslides Climbs to 163, Rescue Ops On War Footing

Wayanad: At least 163 persons lost their lives and around 200 were injured after three massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Wayanad district of Kerala.

According to the Kerala government, over 100 people are feared to be still trapped under debris. Units of the Army, NDRF, SDRF and other emergency services personnel are involved in rescue operations.

Three landslides struck Wayanad within a span of four hours on Tuesday amid heavy rain. These landslides caused intense damages in Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages. Several people were swept away in the Chaliyar river.

In Wayanad, 45 relief camps have been established to shelter 3,069 people.

Kerala has declared a two-day state mourning. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will chair a meeting with senior officials and ministers stationed in Wayanad to review the progress of rescue operations.

The Army rescued over 1,000 people using a temporary structure after a major bridge connecting Chooralmala and Mundakkai villages in the district was washed away due to heavy rain.

The weather department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other Kerala districts over the next couple of days. Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi cancelled their plan to reach Wayanad as authorities informed them that they would not be able to land due to incessant rain.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has announced assistance of Rs 5 crore to the Kerala government. The Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of the deceased.