Wayanad landslides: Rescue operations in the landslide-hit Wayanad areas of Kerala continued for the fifth day on Saturday, while more than 300 people are still reported missing.
About 327 people are reported dead in the incident and the number of injured has gone up to 264. While 81 people are undergoing treatment in various hospitals.
Rescue operation continues
The Kerala Health Department said that the death toll in the Wayanad landslide has exceeded 300 and the number of injured has gone up to 264. The rescue operation continued for the fifth day on Saturday, August 3. Since the landslide in Wayanad district, the rescue team has recovered the parts of 130 bodies while facing challenging conditions like rain and muddy terrain.
Daring rescue of stranded tribal kids by Kerala foresters in the aftermath of Wayanad landslides risking their lives. Salute to all unsung heroes 🫡 #WayanadLandslide video credits Kerala Forest Dept pic.twitter.com/YHF2Balbyc
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) August 3, 2024
Two major landslides hit Mundakkai and Choorlamala in Wayanad on the morning of July 30, resulting in widespread destruction, several deaths, and hundreds of injuries.
Highlights
Around 300 people are reported missing and the district administration has said that 9,328 people have been shifted to 91 relief camps in Wayanad.
The health department said that a total of 327 bodies have been post-mortemed, including the body parts found.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited the landslide-hit site in Wayanad on Thursday, August 1, where they met the survivors of the disaster.
Heavy rains and flash floods triggered massive #landslides in #Wayanad, #Kerala. We are responding to this unprecedented emergency. Help us to help the affected families. #WayanadLandslide pic.twitter.com/Ht6BMaVegA
— Rapid Response (@RapidResponse) July 30, 2024
On August 2, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi met the Meppadi Gram Panchayat delegation and understood their concerns and needs in the wake of the devastating landslide in Wayanad.
The Congress has also promised to build over 100 houses in Wayanad following the tragedy. Rahul Gandhi said, “Kerala has not seen such a tragedy in one area. We will raise this issue in Delhi.”
The gag order issued by the Kerala government on August 1, which directed the scientific community to stop sharing their opinions and study reports with the media, has been withdrawn. In a statement, Kerala Chief Secretary V Venu said that the order is aimed at preventing statements that can be misinterpreted or misquoted.
Indian Air Force rescue ops in Wayanad. As per latest details, 120 people have died in the Wayanad landslides and floods. 98 people are still missing 48 bodies have been identified till now. Over 500 believed to be injured. Rescue ops continue from Indian Army, IAF, NDRF etc. pic.twitter.com/ktvrQkuEfN
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) July 30, 2024
Brig Arjun Segan, Commandant of Para Regimental Training Centre, told ANI that the construction of the bridge for vehicular movement has been completed. “The area where we are standing right now is Punchirimatta, which is the source of the landslide, beyond that, there are settlements at a distance of 500 meters and then it is a forest area… It was difficult to reach the area,” he said.
Cl 24 Bailey Bridge – connecting Choorlamala to Mundakkai over the Iruvanipizha river – has been built in record time to assist rescue teams.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the main priority now is the rescue of the missing persons and rehabilitation will be started as soon as possible.
The weather department has issued an orange alert in Wayanad district till Saturday. The sky will also remain clear amid rain.
(With agency inputs)