At least nineteen people have died, and hundreds are still feared trapped following a series of devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district caused by heavy rainfall. The rescue operations, led by multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are focusing on the affected hilly areas near Meppadi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached out to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to offer support. Modi has also directed BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure that party workers assist in the rescue efforts and has communicated with Union Minister Suresh Gopi, the BJP’s lone MP from Kerala. “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 ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there,” the Prime Minister posted on X.
In response, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced financial aid of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed in the disaster, and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The Prime Minister has announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased in the landslides in parts of Wayanad. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000. https://t.co/1RSsknTtvo
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) July 30, 2024
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed that all relevant agencies are engaged in the rescue efforts. State ministers have been assigned to coordinate these operations. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, NDRF, and the Kannur Defence Security Corps are all involved, with two Air Force helicopters set to join the mission soon.
Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi has expressed his profound anguish over the calamity. “I am deeply anguished by the calamity and extend my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon,” Gandhi stated in a post on X. He also mentioned that he had spoken with the Chief Minister and district collector, who assured him of ongoing rescue operations. Gandhi urged UDF workers to support the administration and requested the establishment of a control room for better coordination.
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.
I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024
The affected areas include Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha, where bridges and roads have been swept away, rendering several regions inaccessible. UDF MLA T Siddique noted that district authorities are formulating plans to airlift residents from Mundakkai. “Currently, we have no complete information about those missing and dead in the landslides. Many areas have been cut off. NDRF personnel are trying to reach those places,” Siddique said.
The state Health Department has set up a control room for emergency assistance. Those in need of help can contact authorities via helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.
