A major landslide struck Mundakki, Chooralmala, Vellarimala Village in Wayanad District on 30th July, following a period of relentless and heavy rainfall. The natural disaster has prompted an extensive emergency response, with the Modi government swiftly mobilizing a multi-agency rescue effort.
In response to the landslide, over 1,200 rescuers from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Army, Air Force, Navy, Fire Services, and Civil Defence have been deployed to the affected area. Their mission includes both rescue and relief operations to address the immediate needs of those impacted.
Also Read: Calls Intensify For National Disaster Declaration Amid Wayanad Landslide Crisis
Medical support has been a critical component of the response. More than 100 ambulances, along with a team of doctors and medical staff, dispatch to provide treatment and care to the victims.
Bailey bridge in Wayanad
Significantly, the Indian Army has played a pivotal role in the rescue operations by constructing a 190-foot Bailey bridge in Wayanad. Completed in an impressive 71 hours, this bridge has been essential for the movement of heavy machinery and ambulances. It has facilitated the rescue of approximately 200 people who were stranded after the original bridge was damaged.
To date, NDRF teams have rescued 30 individuals, evacuated 520 more, and retrieved 112 bodies from the disaster site. An Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) dispatch to assess the situation and will be visiting the affect areas from 8th to 10th August.
Kerala State Disaster Response Fund
The Central Government has also ensured timely financial assistance to Kerala. On 1st April, the Kerala State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) account had approximately Rs 395 crore. An advance release of over Rs 145.60 crore for the SDRF on 31st July to support ongoing relief efforts.
Over the past five years, the Modi Government has allocated around Rs 1,200 crore as the Centre’s share of SDRF, from a total state fund of Rs 1,780 crore. Additionally, Rs 445 crore has been provided for the State Disaster Mitigation Fund during the same period, demonstrating a consistent commitment to disaster management and relief.
As the situation continues to develop, the coordinated response efforts aim to mitigate the impact of the disaster and provide essential support to those in need.
