In the wake of Kerala’s most devastating natural disaster, a mass burial is likely for Monday afternoon, following the landslide that ravaged four villages in Wayanad last Tuesday.
State Revenue Minister K Rajan announced the solemn event, which underscores the extensive loss and ongoing recovery efforts.
The mass burial will occur on 64 cents of land owned by Harrison Malayalam plantation in Meppadi panchayat.
Minister Rajan detailed the plans for the mass burial. He stated that the authorities will inter 31 unidentified bodies and 158 dismembered body parts.
The Minister further asserted that officials will keep the remains available for identification until noon. After that, they will systematically number, box, and bury any unclaimed bodies and body parts, marking each grave with the corresponding number.
The officials have collected DNA samples from all the remains and will take further action based on the test results. They however will follow the Disaster Management Act for the burial process, burying 10 bodies in one cent of land (approximately 435.56 square feet).
The state government has decided to limit the number to seven bodies or body parts percent of the land to ensure a more respectful interment.
The burial will be preceded by an interfaith prayer service, reflecting the collective mourning and solidarity of the community.
As rescue operations entered their seventh day, the death toll from the disaster has risen to 388, with 180 people still missing.
The extensive search and recovery efforts involve over 1,500 personnel from the Defence forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, fire services, and numerous volunteers. The teams are focusing on the hardest-hit areas of Churalmala, Velarimala, Mundakayil, and Punchirimadom.
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