Manashimaya
In the early hours of July 30, 2024, massive landslides struck Kerala’s Wayanad district, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The disaster has claimed at least 107 lives so far, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue. The devastating impact of the landslides has prompted an urgent response, with rescue teams working tirelessly despite challenging conditions. The Wayanad landslides have triggered a wave of concern, with rescue efforts intensifying amidst a rising death toll of 150, and the situation remains grim.
The landslides buried large areas under debris, trapping residents and causing widespread devastation. Rescue workers have been battling heavy rains and treacherous terrain, as huge boulders rolled down the hills, obstructing their path. Despite these challenges, they continue to shift the dead and injured into ambulances, working around the clock to save lives. The Wayanad landslides: rescue efforts intensify amidst a rising death toll of 150, and the scale of the disaster has led to an outpouring of support from across the country.
Several hilly regions in Wayanad, including Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages, have been severely affected by the landslides. Mundakai and Chooralmala have borne the brunt of the disaster, with Chooralmala experiencing 578mm of rainfall in the 48 hours preceding the landslide—significantly more than predicted. This unprecedented rainfall contributed to the severity of the landslides. The Wayanad landslides: rescue efforts intensify amidst rising death toll of 150, and the search for missing persons continues.
As of now, 93 bodies have been recovered, with 128 people hospitalised due to injuries. Among the recovered bodies, 34 have been identified, and 18 have been handed over to their families after post-mortem examinations. The grim task of recovering bodies continues, with 16 bodies found in Pothungal from the Chaliyar River alone. The Iravahinji River has changed course, flowing in two directions, and the Vellarmalla GVHSS has been completely buried under clay and soil. The Wayanad landslides: rescue efforts intensify amidst a rising death toll of 150, as the region grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster.
The Kerala government has responded swiftly, declaring a state of mourning on July 30 and 31 due to the loss of life and property in Wayanad. A red alert has been issued for several districts, including Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, as heavy rains continue to batter the region. The Wayanad landslides: rescue efforts intensify amidst a rising death toll of 150, and the government has deployed five ministers to Wayanad to coordinate rescue operations.
In addition to local efforts, the Indian Navy and Army have been deployed to assist in rescue operations. Tamil Nadu has sent a team of medical and disaster response personnel to aid in the relief efforts. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also been mobilised, with five teams already on the ground. The Wayanad landslides: rescue efforts intensify amidst a rising death toll of 150, and the scale of the response reflects the severity of the disaster.
Relief for those impacted continues to be the foremost priority while rescue efforts go on. Over 3,000 people are housed in 45 relief camps that have been set up in Wayanad, and more camps have been established throughout Kerala. While the Water Authority serves the area with clean drinking water, the Food and Civil Service Department makes sure that necessities reach people in need. The Wayanad landslides: rescue operations becoming more intense as the death toll climbs to 150, and efforts to help those who survived and find those who are still missing go on.
The Wayanad landslides have left a lasting impact on the region, and the full extent of the disaster is still unfolding. With the death toll rising and rescue efforts ongoing, the situation remains critical. The Wayanad landslides: rescue efforts intensify amidst a rising death toll of 150, and the collective efforts of rescue teams, government agencies, and volunteers are crucial in the days ahead.
