30 July, Wayanad: At least 45 people were killed in a series of major landslides that started early on Tuesday in Kerala’s Wayanad district due to heavy rainfall. Fears were raised that the number of deaths could rise because hundreds of people were trapped under the rubble (debris).
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The victims were asleep when tragedy struck in the wee hours of Tuesday. There were frantic screams for assistance, and rescue workers had to work quickly to extract people.
Meghasree D R, the district collector, stated that the most recent toll was 45. Regarding the Chooralmala landslide, she verified that 36 deaths have been reported.
Authorities claimed that the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha were among those affected and cut off by the landslides.
The Indian Army was joining rescue personnel in their continuous efforts to remove the stuck.
The state government has also sent disaster response teams from the police and fire departments to the affected districts in addition to the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).
Although authorities have not confirmed it, it is believed that hundreds of people are trapped in the landslides.
According to State Revenue Minister K Rajan, more than 70 landslide victims have been admitted to different hospitals.
Concerned over the event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he spoke with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and promised the state that the federal government will assist the state to the fullest extent feasible.
Rahul Gandhi, a congressman and the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, spoke with Vijayan as well and conveyed his sincere condolences for the loss. He demanded immediate action for relief and rescue efforts.
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Rescue efforts were hampered by the landslides, which left a path of devastation that included many houses damaged, swelling water bodies, and uprooted trees.
