India

89 Killed, Hundreds Feared Trapped In Wayanad Landslides; Red Alert Issued In Kerala

At least 84 people have lost their lives, and 116 have been injured following massive landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday morning. The landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall, have left hundreds feared trapped. Rescue operations are being conducted by multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Army, after three separate landslides struck Wayanad within four hours.

The worst-affected villages include Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. There are fears that many individuals have been swept away in the Chaliyar River.

The Indian Army has deployed 225 personnel, including medical teams, for the rescue efforts. Additionally, two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), are assisting in the operations. Kerala Minister Veena George mentioned that a team from the Indian Navy will also join the rescue efforts. The minister also noted that a bridge connecting the affected areas to Chooralmala town has been washed away. “Around 70 people are injured. We have ensured proper treatment for them,” she said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring him of all possible assistance from the central government. The Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.

Also read: Rahul Gandhi Urges Urgent Mapping Of Landslide-Prone Areas Amid Wayanad Tragedy

The landslides have caused widespread devastation, with visuals showing uprooted trees and destroyed houses in the district, known for its scenic beauty and tea estates. Floodwaters have washed away vehicles, leaving them entangled in tree trunks. Rescue operations are being hampered by continuous rain and large boulders blocking access routes.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that a team of five ministers has been sent to Wayanad to supervise the relief efforts. “All government systems are working together in the rescue operation. Ministers will visit Wayanad to lead the activities,” the Chief Minister said.

In response to the disaster, a control room has been set up, and emergency helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued. District authorities report that several families have been relocated to camps or the homes of relatives for safety.

Kavya Bhatt

Recent Posts

RBI Frontloads Rate Cuts To Boost Growth Amid Low Inflation: Crisil

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has frontloaded its rate cuts to support economic growth,…

24 mins ago

PM Modi Urges Global Action On Coastal Resilience At Nice Summit

PM Narendra Modi on Saturday called for urgent global action to build infrastructure that can…

31 mins ago

CJI BR Gavai Highlights Technology’s Historic Role In India’s Judicial System

CJI BR Gavai during the academic forum at the School of Oriental and African Studies…

1 hour ago

Jaishankar Reaffirms India’s Zero Tolerance Policy On Terrorism In Talks With UK Foreign Secretary Lammy

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday met UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and appreciated…

1 hour ago

HM Amit Shah Hails Anti-Naxal Success; Pledges Continued Drive For Peace

Amit Shah lauded the success of recent anti-Naxal operations in Chhattisgarh and expressed his desire…

1 hour ago

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Reaffirms India’s Zero Tolerance For Terrorism

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday reaffirmed India's firm zero tolerance policy towards terrorism and…

2 hours ago