As many as 23, including three children, were killed, while hundreds of people are feared to be trapped as massive landslides hit several hilly areas near Meppadi in the Wayanad district of Kerala early on Tuesday. According to the Wayanad district authorities, of those killed, four people, including a child, died in the Chooralmala town of the district, while a one-year-old child of a Nepali family died in the Thondernad village. Besides that, three bodies, including that of a five-year-old, were recovered from the banks of a river near Pothukal village, authorities said.
The death toll rises to 11, with six bodies brought to Meppadi Community Health Centre and five to a private medical college, as confirmed by Kerala Health Minister Veena George.
Authorities have reported that the landslides have affected and cut off several areas, including Mundakkai, Chooral Mala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages.
In a video message, UDF MLA T Siddique said district authorities were drawing up plans to airlift people from the Mundakkai area. “Currently, we have no complete information about those missing and dead in the landslides. Many areas have been cut off. NDRF personnel are trying to reach those places,” he said.
Several families have been moved to various camps or their relatives’ homes in the wake of the landslides, according to district authorities.
Wayanad District Collector Meghasree D R reported that disaster relief efforts are progressing in the affected areas, with rescue operations being conducted by NDRF, fire force, police, and various government departments, including Forest, Revenue, and Local Self-Government. Volunteers and local residents are also contributing to the rescue operations.
The Collector also noted that the shutter of the Banasura Sagar dam on the Karamanthodu river has been opened, and those living downstream and in low-lying areas have been warned to exercise caution.
The Kerala government has sought military help for rescue operations in response to the devastating landslide in Wayanad district. A team of 43 personnel, led by the Second-in-Command from the 122 Infantry Battalion (TA) MADRAS, has been mobilised to aid in the ongoing rescue efforts.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that all government agencies have mobilised for search and rescue operations following the massive landslides. Chief Minister Vijayan said that the operations will be coordinated, and state ministers will reach the hilly district to lead the rescue activities.
The Health Department – National Health Mission has established a control room for emergency assistance. Individuals can contact the authorities through the following helpline numbers: 9656938689 and 8086010833.
These combined efforts aim to address the dire situation in Wayanad district, as rescue operations continue amidst the devastating aftermath of the landslides.