Wayanad Landslides Death Number Reaches 256, Over 200 Still Missing

Wayanad: The massive landslides that struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerela’s Wayanad have already claimed at least 256 lives and over 200 have been injured, said Kerala Health Minister Veena George.

The Army has rescued around 1,000 people. But around 220 people are still missing while rescue operations continue on the third day.

Three landslides struck Wayanad on Tuesday following heavy rain affecting Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages in the district.

A Command and Control Centre has been set up in Kozhikode by the Army for coordinating Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts. At least 1,500 Army personnel have been deployed for the rescue 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 will visit the relief camps in Wayanad on Thursday.

The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more rain for Wayanad.

Countries including the US, Russia, China and Iran have expressed condolences over the deaths due to landslides.