As many as 24 people have lost their lives and hundreds are feared trapped following three landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district amid relentless heavy rain. Rescue operations are underway in the hilly areas near Meppadi, with multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), mobilized to assist.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring all necessary support to the State Government. He has directed BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure party workers aid in the rescue efforts. Additionally, the PM discussed the situation with Union Minister Suresh Gopi, BJP’s sole MP from Kerala.
“Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” PM Modi posted on X.
The Prime Minister’s Office has announced a compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives and ₹50,000 for the injured.
CM Vijayan stated that all relevant agencies have joined the rescue operations in Wayanad. State ministers are coordinating the efforts, as per his statement. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, NDRF, and Kannur Defence Security Corps are all involved in the rescue mission. Additionally, two Air Force helicopters are set to depart for Wayanad to assist.
Former Wayanad MP and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to the affected families. “I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon,” he posted on X.
Gandhi has spoken with the CM and the district collector, urging for coordinated efforts and the establishment of a control room for relief operations. He also called on UDF workers to support the administration.
The landslides have severely impacted areas including Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. Health Minister Veena George informed that many roads have collapsed, and a bridge has been washed away, rendering several areas inaccessible. “We have to re-establish the connectivity. Helicopters will also be brought in, but the weather is bad,” she stated.
UDF MLA T Siddique reported that district authorities are planning to airlift people from Mundakkai. “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.
CM Vijayan announced the opening of a control room by the State Health Department. Those in need of emergency assistance can contact the helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.
