Wayanad Landslide: Death Toll Surges To 44, Opposition Anguished

Latest confirmation by district authorities have revealed that the death toll in Wayanad landslide have risen to 44.

Two helicopters that were supposed to land in the landslide impacted areas are currently waiting in Kozhikode due to bad weather. Helicopters will have to wait to land in the impacted areas even though they arrived with personnel and supplies to start rescue operations.

Following talks with high-ranking officials of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) in the state capital city on Tuesday morning, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed the media that details regarding the areas affected by landslides were still being gathered and that it was premature to comment further at this time.

400 households are stuck in ripped area near Churalmala.

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“We have started to ensure that all medical supplies are being transported to the affected areas and in the hospitals in the area. Medical teams from Kannur and Kozhikode will be reaching out to speed up treatment of the injured people. At the moment 70 injured are being treated at a few hospitals in Wayanad,” said Health Minister Veena George.

Rahul Gandhi anguished over landslide in Wayanad

Responding to the devasting situation in Wayanad, Rahul Gandhi said that he was deeply anguished by the mishap in Meppadi. Taking to the social media platform X, he wrote, “I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.”

Rahul also revealed about the assurance he received from Kerala CM about the rescue operation.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also expressed his grief over the incident. “Extremely pained by the landslides in Wayanad, where several people are reportedly trapped. My deepest condolences to the families of the bereaved,” Kharge wrote on X.

Air force to join landslide rescue operation

Following talks with high-ranking officials of the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on the situation in the Wayanad areas hit by the landslide that claimed 19 lives on Tuesday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the Air Force is participating in the rescue effort.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi called me and have assured all the support and help. A team of Air Force officials are coming to speed up the rescue operations. We are getting information and once we get it we will be informing the media. So let us wait for it,” said CM Vijayan at the KSDMA office.

Congress General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal on Tuesday expressed his condolences to the families of the victims who died in Wayanad landslides.

Taking to the microblogging site X, the Congress MP said, “I am devastated by the news of landslides in Wayanad which have killed and injured so many people. My condolences to the families of the victims, and I pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.”

“We are constantly monitoring the situation and urge all UDF workers to assist the authorities in relief efforts in full measure. LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi ji has spoken to the Kerala CM and the Wayanad DC to address this at the earliest. We also spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh ji, who has given us positive assurance about providing necessary relief assistance,” Venugopal added.

Notably, the massive Wayanad landslide hit the region in midnight cutting the area into two.