A devastating series of landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district has claimed at least 143 lives, with around 186 others injured as of yesterday. The landslides were triggered by relentless heavy rainfall, leaving hundreds feared trapped and several families still searching for missing loved ones.
The Indian Army has mobilised approximately 300 personnel for search-and-rescue operations in Wayanad, with an additional 140 on standby in Thiruvananthapuram. Naval teams and Air Force helicopters have also been deployed to support the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Army in the ongoing rescue efforts. Disaster relief teams and rescue dog units are being airlifted to the affected areas.
Kerala has been experiencing continuous heavy rainfall, with the state recording 372 mm of rain in just 24 hours prior to the landslides. The affected areas include the picturesque villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, which have been severed from surrounding regions, leaving many residents stranded.
The weather department has issued further rain alerts for Wayanad and other districts, including Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod. Four districts — Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam—are currently under an orange alert.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, offering full support to the LDF Government. He has also directed BJP chief JP Nadda to mobilise party workers for rescue operations. The Prime Minister’s Office has announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured in the disaster.
The landslides have caused extensive damage, destroying homes, swelling water bodies, and uprooting trees. The state Health Department has established a control room to provide emergency assistance. Residents in need can contact the helplines at 9656938689 and 8086010833 for help.
