The devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district have now claimed 402 lives, with around 170 people still untraced. The search and rescue operations entered their eighth day on Tuesday.
A massive rescue effort is underway, involving over 1,200 personnel from various agencies. This includes the Defence forces, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, fire services, and numerous volunteers. Teams have been working since early morning in the four most severely affected villages: Churalmala, Velarimala, Mundakayil, and Punchirimadom.
Special teams are focusing on the Chaliyar River, where several bodies and dismembered body parts have been recovered in recent days. DNA tests are being conducted to identify these remains.
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In response to the disaster, more than 100 relief camps have been established, mainly in educational institutions around the affected areas. These camps are currently housing over 10,300 displaced people.
State Revenue Minister Rajan has announced that the Local Self Government (LSG) department has been tasked with identifying government buildings, locked homes, and local resorts. This information will help in relocating people from the relief camps to more permanent accommodations.
State Education Minister V. Sivankutty is expected to visit the area soon to address educational needs and establish standard operating procedures for schools operating as relief camps. Rajan assured that all displaced individuals will receive the necessary care and support.
The weekly cabinet meeting scheduled for Wednesday will be held online. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is expected to announce further rehabilitation plans for landslides hit people in the meeting. In the meantime, contributions to the Chief Minister Distress Relief Fund are pouring in. It has been decided that all state government employees will donate five days’ salary to the fund.
Rescue operations will continue until the Army decides that all possible efforts have been exhausted. The focus remains on locating the missing and providing relief to those affected by the disaster.
