The devastating landslides near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad have claimed at least 256 lives, with over 200 people still unaccounted for, according to Health Minister Veena George. Rescue operations, now in their third day, have seen the Army rescue around 1,000 individuals, with 220 people still missing.
The region was struck by three major landslides on Tuesday, following intense rainfall. The villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha were among the hardest hit.
To coordinate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) efforts, the Army has established a Command and Control Centre in Kozhikode. “We have deployed at least 1,500 Army personnel and forensic surgeons for the rescue operation,” said Health Minister George.
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Health Minister Veena George reported that thousands of displaced individuals are currently in relief camps and experiencing significant mental trauma. “Our focus is on providing psychological support and preventing the spread of contagious diseases,” she stated.
The Army’s Engineer Task Force from the Madras Engineer Group is constructing a temporary Bailey bridge in Chooralmala, while an Indian Air Force plane has delivered a 110-feet Bailey bridge and three search and rescue dog teams to Kannur.
An all-party meeting, chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is scheduled for Thursday in Wayanad. Additionally, Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will visit the relief camps on the same day.
An NDRF official warned of the potential for additional landslides due to ongoing heavy rainfall. Helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been provided for those seeking assistance.
The Indian Meteorological Department has forecast more rain for Wayanad and several other districts, issuing a red alert for heavy rain in Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod.
Countries including the US, Russia, China, and Iran have extended their condolences following the tragic landslides.
