New Delhi, July 30 (Udaipur Kiran): A massive landslide triggered by heavy rains in Kerala’s Wayanad district has resulted in significant loss of life and property. The landslide occurred in the early hours of the morning in the towns of Meppadi, Mundakkai, and Chural Mala, causing widespread devastation in the hilly regions of the district. As of now, over 84 people have been confirmed dead, and 116 others are injured. The death toll is expected to rise as many people are still missing.
The first landslide occurred around 1 AM in Mundakkai town during heavy rains. While rescue operations were underway, a second landslide struck near the Chural Mala school around 4 AM. In Chural Mala town, a bridge collapse has left approximately 400 families stranded. This bridge was the only access route to reach Attamala in Mundakkai, severely impacting rescue operations.
Following the tragic incident, the Kerala government has declared official mourning in the state today and tomorrow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of the deceased. He expressed his condolences and assured all possible assistance from the central government. Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Defense Minister Rajnath Singh have spoken with the Kerala Chief Minister and pledged support for the rescue and relief efforts.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the army are actively engaged in rescue operations. The landslide has uprooted trees, and continuous water flow has caused many houses to be buried under debris. Hundreds of people are feared trapped.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that all government agencies are involved in the rescue efforts, and the Health Department, along with the National Health Mission, has set up a control room. Emergency helpline numbers, 9656938689 and 8086010833, have been issued for assistance.
IAS officer Ciram Sambashiva Rao has been appointed as the special officer to oversee disaster management and relief operations in the aftermath of the landslide in Wayanad district.
An Indian Army unit has reached the landslide site in Chural Mala. Using ropes, soldiers are being transported across the swollen river to assist in the rescue efforts in Ward No. 10 of Chural Mala. The army has deployed 200 soldiers from the Defense Security Corps and a medical team to aid the rescue operations. Additionally, two helicopters from the Air Force Station in Sulur have been dispatched to assist in the efforts.
The NDRF has reported that their teams are present at various locations in Wayanad. Three NDRF teams are already on the ground in Wayanad, striving to conduct rescue operations. However, they are facing challenges in reaching the interior parts of the landslide-affected area.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.