Wayanad Landslides: Death Toll Hits 159, Search for Missing Continues

Rescue teams are working around the clock in Kerala’s Wayanad after massive landslides struck the region, with the death toll climbing to 159 by Wednesday. Teams are frantically searching for 98 people still missing.

The hardest-hit areas include Churalpara, Velarimala, Mundakayil, and Pothukalu. Locals who survived the disaster are devastated by the extensive damage.

Teams from the Army, Air Force, Navy, NDRF, police, Fire Force, and local volunteers worked late into Tuesday night and resumed their efforts early Wednesday. They are now combing through destroyed homes, hoping to find survivors.

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Relatives wait anxiously outside the wreckage in Mundakayil, hoping the rescue teams will find someone alive.

Persistent rain complicates the situation, creating a slurry of mud and debris that hampers rescue efforts.

Authorities have restricted travel to Wayanad to reduce congestion on the roads, which has been obstructing the movement of rescue vehicles.

Rescue operations received a boost on Wednesday with additional trained personnel joining the effort. By late Tuesday night, NDRF and defense teams had successfully evacuated over 500 people from isolated areas.

The forces have established Bailey bridges and ropeways to expedite the rescue work. Additionally, a team of five Kerala Ministers remains in Wayanad, coordinating the ongoing rescue operations.