Deadly landslide devastates Wayanad in Kerala, death toll rises to 70

The death toll from the Meppadi landslide in Wayanad, Kerala, has risen to 70. The landslide occurred early Tuesday, leaving over 100 injured and hospitalized. The disaster has left around 250 people stranded in the affected areas. Bad weather has hindered rescue efforts by the NDRF, Army and local officials.

Kerala's Forest Minister AK Shashidhar said that National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are using ropes for rescue operations, causing delays. The army has joined the efforts.

#WayanadLandslide | The death toll in #Kerala reaches 36 Very sad to know this !! #Wayanad #Kerala#WayanadLandslide pic.twitter.com/1kIC4eTpa5

— Anupama (@Anupamabbk) July 30, 2024

Kerala Health Minister Veena George confirmed the landslide occurred around 2-3 am on Tuesday. She stated that 24 bodies have been taken to hospitals and about 70 people are injured. Essential medical supplies are being delivered to Wayanad hospitals to cater to the influx of patients.

The severity of the landslide was discussed in the Parliament, with Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reaching out to Defense Minister Rajnath Singh regarding the relief and rescue operations. Rahul Gandhi, who represents Wayanad, expressed his condolences to the affected families and hoped for the safe evacuation of those still trapped. He has also been in contact with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the District Magistrate of Wayanad to ensure coordinated rescue efforts.

Rahul Gandhi called for a control room to streamline relief efforts and appealed to United Democratic Front (UDF) workers to assist in rescue operations. Priyanka Gandhi, a Wayanad candidate, also expressed grief over the incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences to the victims' families and announced that the central government will provide Rs 2 lakh to each deceased family and Rs 50,000 to the injured. The Prime Minister's Office confirmed these measures, emphasizing the government's commitment to support the affected individuals.

The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/1RSsknTtvo

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 30, 2024

President Draupadi Murmu expressed sorrow over the incident and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and the success of the ongoing rescue operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah assured Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of all possible assistance from the central government.

The Kerala government has issued helpline numbers and set up control rooms. The Disaster Management Department of Kerala has issued a red alert for Wayanad, Kozhikode, Mallapuram, and Kannur, predicting 204 mm of rain in these areas over the next 24 hours. Orange and yellow alerts have been issued for other parts of Kerala, warning residents to stay away from landslide-prone areas.

The landslide has affected Wayanad and other parts of Kerala. In Kozhikode district, another landslide was reported in Vilangad area, where one person is missing. The NDRF has launched search operations, and 15 families have been isolated. No casualties have been reported from this area. The Malayangad bridge was destroyed, and four houses along the riverbank were partially damaged, prompting the relocation of residents.

Kerala State Disaster Management Authority Secretary Sekar Kuriakose said, “The region has faced major landslides in the past and the current situation is grim. About 49 bodies have been recovered. We are mobilizing more teams for search and rescue.”

Opposition members in Parliament demanded that the landslides in Wayanad be declared a national disaster. Congress and Communist Party of India Marxist (CPI-M) members stressed the urgency of the situation, calling for immediate and comprehensive response measures.

Continuous rain has hampered rescue operations. NDRF Deputy Inspector General Bharat Bhushan Vaid mentioned that two teams in Wayanad for pre-monsoon deployment are likely to reach the affected area by the afternoon.

Kerala Chief Secretary V Venu described the situation as grave, noting that rescue teams have struggled to establish secure access to the accident zone. He highlighted the difficulties due to the region being cut off and the ongoing efforts to communicate with people in the affected areas.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a ₹5 crore relief fund for Kerala and sent two senior IAS officers, a team of firemen, and SDRF personnel for rescue and relief operations. He also deployed a medical team to assist.

The landslide in Kerala has had a profound impact, with Minister MB Rajesh emphasizing the severity of the disaster. The state government has sent a team of five ministers to oversee rescue operations, and the Army is expected to reach the site soon. 250 people have been rescued.

The Kerala government has announced contact numbers for control rooms to streamline communication and aid in the rescue efforts. The Department of Information and Public Relations (PRD) has set up district and state-level media control rooms.

The tragedy has drawn national attention, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge urging expedited relief and rescue operations. He called on state and central governments to provide urgent medical help and coordinate with all agencies for effective support.