At least 43 people have been killed and hundreds more are feared trapped following devastating landslides triggered by monsoon rains in Kerala’s Wayanad district. The disaster has mobilized government agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local residents in a massive rescue operation.
#WATCH | Buildings suffer damage in the landslide and rain-affected Chooralmala area in Kerala’s Wayanad pic.twitter.com/YvBDbl9nhK
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
A team of 43 Indian Army personnel has also been deployed to support the ongoing rescue efforts. However, the collapse of a key bridge at the disaster site has significantly hampered these efforts. The landslide, which struck in the early morning, has left a trail of destruction, with numerous houses destroyed, water bodies swollen, and trees uprooted.
#WATCH | Kerala: Latest visuals of the rescue operation in Chooralmala area of Wayanad where a landslide occurred earlier today claiming the lives of over 70 people. pic.twitter.com/hW5jSljBcb
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2024
The picturesque villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha have been cut off from other areas, leaving many residents stranded and in dire need of assistance.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan convened a high-level evaluation meeting and visited the State Disaster Management Authority office in Thiruvananthapuram to assess the situation and coordinate the response efforts. According to district authorities, several families have been relocated to various camps or have sought refuge with relatives in the aftermath of the landslides.
“Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X.
