After enormous landslides struck steep areas in Kerala’s Wayanad district, hundreds of people were fearfully trapped and five people, including two children, lost their lives. The early hours of Tuesday saw the occurrence close to Meppadi.
The details indicate that the first landslip occurred in the area about two in the morning. A second landslip hit the district at about 4.10 in the morning.
According to the news agency, teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the fire force were sent to the affected area, while another NDRF team was on its way to Wayanad.
Two Air Force helicopters—an ALH and a Mi-17—will leave Sulur for the rescue efforts, according to the news agency. A Meppadi hospital was allegedly treating at least sixteen patients.
A rumoured video that West Coast Weatherman posted on X purportedly showed the district’s landslip location.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said on Facebook that two teams of the Kannur Defence Security Corps were directed to relocate to Wayanad in order to support the rescue operations. The nonstop downpour is making rescue efforts more difficult.
In a statement, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said, “All possible rescue operations will be coordinated on the landslides in Wayanad.”
“Since we got to know of the incident, the government systems have joined together in the rescue operation. Ministers will visit Wayanad and lead the activities,” the Chief Minister said.
In the meanwhile, a control room was established following the landslides. For emergency assistance, the helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 were also provided.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated he spoke with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in an X post hours after the landslides.
“Distressed the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured,” the Prime Minister tweeted.
“Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri Pinarayi Vijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” he said.
Rahul Gandhi expressed his profound agony over the landslides and the deaths they have caused in an X post.
“I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon,” he wrote.
“I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts,” Rahul Gandhi said.
“I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad. I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations,” he tweeted.
For Tuesday, the northern districts of Kerala are under a red alert, according to the India Meteorological Department.
Heavy rain was predicted for Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram today, according to the weather service.
Additionally, it cautioned both residents and visitors to take extra care after heavy rain.
