Massive landslides at Chooralmala near Mepadi in the Wayanad district of Kerala during the wee hours of July 30 buried a large area under debris, sparking fear that several people might have gone missing.
At least 84 bodies have been recovered so far and the toll may rise, an official with the Wayanad district collectorate said to Maktoob.
More than 400 people were stranded in the area.
The public can provide information to the 24-hour control room at the phone numbers – 9497900402, 0471 2721566. The control room functions under the direct control of the State police chief.
The first landslide occurred in Mundakkai Town around 1 am during heavy rain. While the rescue operations were ongoing, a second landslide struck near Chooral Mala School at around 4 am.
The full extent of the damage remains unknown due to the power supply being cut off.
An NDRF team, Fire and Rescue personnel, Police, and Forest officials with the support of the local people have been engaged in rescue operations. They rescued and shifted over a hundred persons to nearby hospitals. Many residents have been evacuated from the area and moved to the nearby relief camps.
In light of the incident, the National Health Mission has opened a control room and issued helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 for emergency assistance. Two Air Force helicopters Mi-17 and an ALH will depart from Sulur at 7.30 am.
The fire force and teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) were deployed to the affected area, and an additional NDRF team was en route to Wayanad.
The landslide has almost wiped out Mundakkai bazar in the region. At least 40 houses have been buried under the landside. Many of these buildings were houses and quarters of estate workers.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has assured that army assistance will be sought to build a temporary bridge, evacuate people by helicopter, and establish necessary arrangements at the disaster site.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased in the landslides.
Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are expected to visit Kerala’s Wayanad. Speaking to ANI, Congress general secretary (organisation) K.C. Venugopal said, “This is the hour of togetherness, we have to work together so that maximum people’s lives are safe. We are planning to go (to Wayanad). Yes, both (Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra) are planning to go.” Venugopal said that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured full cooperation and that efforts to involve maximum-level rehabilitation measures are underway.
“It is very unfortunate and saddest day for us. One after another tragedies are happening in Wayanad. Today morning we heard this saddest news. Then onwards, we are trying to involve maximum-level rehabilitation measures, rescue measures to be taken by the government and other agencies. I informed Rahul Gandhi, he immediately called the District Collector and then called the Chief Minister. He offered full support to the Chief Minister if anything was needed from his side. He also spoke to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Rajnath Singh also assured full cooperation,” Venugopal said.
