The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘red’ alert for Wayanad on Tuesday, predicting extreme rainfall as massive landslides devastated various hilly areas near Meppadi in the district. The calamity has claimed over 50 lives, with many more feared trapped.
IMD Alerts and Weather Forecast
The IMD’s ‘red’ alert, indicating heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, extends to the neighboring districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur. Additionally, an ‘orange’ alert, signifying very heavy rainfall, has been issued for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, and Palakkad on Tuesday, and for Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, and Kannur on Wednesday. The ‘yellow’ alert, indicating heavy rainfall, remains in place for other regions.
Landslides and Rescue Operations
Wayanad has been hit by three consecutive massive landslides amidst relentless rainfall, resulting in over 40 confirmed deaths and leaving hundreds missing. Kerala Minister MB Rajesh reported that around 250 individuals have been rescued and moved to temporary shelters.
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The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has mobilized various rescue teams, including fire and rescue services, civil defense, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local emergency response teams. Additional NDRF teams and two units from the Kannur Defence Security Corps are en route to assist. Furthermore, two Air Force helicopters, a Mi-17 and an ALH, are actively coordinating the rescue operations.
Government Response
In response to the disaster, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s office announced the establishment of a control room to provide immediate relief and rescue assistance. The Chief Minister has directed all government machinery to be actively involved in the rescue efforts, with ministers overseeing and coordinating the operations to ensure prompt action.
“The entire government machinery is actively involved in the efforts, with ministers overseeing and coordinating the operations,” stated the Chief Minister’s office.
