Massive landslides that struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerela’s Wayanad have so far left at least 256 persons dead and over 200 injured. As the third day of rescue efforts began, the Army rescued over 1,000 individuals; 220 people were still reportedly missing.
According to sources from the Department of Information and Public Relations (PRD) Control Room in Wayanad, 96 victims have been identified, which includes 77 men, 67 women, and 22 children.
On Tuesday, July 30, three landslides struck Wayanad following heavy rain. Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages in the district were the worst affected due to the landslides.
The rescue operation being conducted by the Indian Army jointly with the Indian Coast Guards (ICG) and rescuers of Central and state emergency response teams has entered its third day today (August 1, Thursday). This rescue operation represents one of the largest rescue operations in the disaster-stricken Wayanad. 1,500 Army personnel have been deployed for rescue operations. Over 1,000 rescuers from Central and state emergency response teams have also been conducting massive search operations throughout the area.
#WATCH | Wayanad landslide | Brigadier Arjun Segan, Commandant of the Para Regimental Training Centre says, " Today is the 3rd day of rescue and search operation. We built a metallic footbridge overnight…we hope that we will be able to complete the work of bailey bridge which… pic.twitter.com/RWP27Ylyzf
— ANI (@ANI) August 1, 2024
The Indian Army has successfully built a metallic footbridge overnight to connect the landslide-hit areas. Brigadier Arjun Segan, Commandant of the Para Regimental Training Centre also informed that the army is trying to complete the construction of the 190-ft-long Bailey bridge, which is for 24 tonnes weight category, by this afternoon.
Notably, the Bailey Bridge is being constructed to connect the worst-affected areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala.
Because of its length, the bridge is being constructed with a pier in the centre of the river, which will make rescue efforts easier after it is finished.
Supplies for constructing the bridge are being delivered from Bengaluru and Delhi to Chooralmala. 17 trucks are transporting the commodities that are flown into Kannur airport to Wayanad.
At a news conference, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that a second special Air Force plane had arrived at Kannur International Airport, transporting supplies for a makeshift bridge from Chooralmala to the remote Mundakkai.
Additionally, five JCBs have been shifted to the west side of the stream to clear debris and facilitate search operations.
Update on Wayanad Rescue Operation
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) August 1, 2024
– A meeting with all stakeholders was held at 7:00 PM on 31 July, chaired by the Director General of Kerala Police, to review the situation.
*Status as at 6:00 AM this morning**
– Search operations by relief columns resumed at 06:00 AM.
-… pic.twitter.com/yvx5AIeyi4
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is also on his way to Wayanad from Kozhikode. The CM is scheduled to review the rescue operation at Chooralmala and Mundakkai in the wake of the devastating landslides.
Kerala Chief Minister #PinarayiVijayan aboard an IAF helicopter on his way to #Wayanad from Kozhikode. Mr. Vijayan is scheduled to review the rescue operation at Chooralmala and Mundakkai in the wake of the devastating landslides.
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) August 1, 2024
📹: Special arrangement. pic.twitter.com/VBua1LrFCK
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will also be holding an all-party meeting in Wayanad on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Indian Meteorological Department has predicted more rain for Wayanad and several other districts over the next couple of days. A red alert for heavy rain has been issued for Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasargod districts.
Residents in the hill district’s landslide-prone areas have been ordered to relocate as soon as possible to safer areas by the authorities, as the rains continue to pummel various sections of Wayanad. District Collector D R Meghasree advised people to exercise caution if they live in areas that are prone to landslides or have seen landslides in the past.
Kerala: Landslide occurs in Wayanad following heavy rainfall. Health Department – National Health Mission has opened a control room and issued helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 for emergency assistance. Two Air Force helicopters Mi-17 and an ALH will depart from Sulur…
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
Health Department – National Health Mission has opened a control room and issued helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 for emergency assistance.
