The death toll in Wayanad Landslides has increased to 45. The number of people who fear being trapped is over 400 hundred. Last night massive landslides hit several villages after which five people were reported dead. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast heavy rain for the district. The Indian Army was roped in as a temporary bridge that linked the affected area to a nearest town was also destroyed. The Army has mobilized four columns, including two columns ex 122 Infantry Battalion (Territorial Army) and two ex the DSC Centre, Kannur. The rescue operation has been hindered by the continuous heavy rain in the area.
Set up relief at earliest: Rahul Gandhi in Parliament
Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of Wayanad Landslides in the parliament. He said, “Early this morning, Wayanad was hit by several devastating landslides. More than 70 people have been killed. Mundakkai village has been cut off and the devastating loss of lives and extensive damage is yet to be assessed due to the scale of the tragedy. I have spoken to the Defence Minister and the Chief Minister of Kerala. I request the Union Government to extend all possible support for rescue and medical care, immediate release of the compensation to deceased people – if that compensation can be increased as well – restore vital transport and communication lines, set up relief at the earliest and prepare a roadmap for the rehabilitation of the affected families.”
“Even as I speak, the threat of landslides loom over many areas in Wayanad and the western ghats. Our country has witnessed an alarming rise in landslides in the last few years. There is an urgent need for mapping of landslide-prone areas and to take up mitigation measures and an action plan to address the growing frequency of natural calamities in the ecologically fragile region”, he added.
PM Modi announces ex-gratia for deceased in landslides
Expressing distress for deceased in Wayanad Landlsides, PM Modi assured all possible help to Kerala. In a post on X, he said, “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.“
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…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2024
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.
Monsoon is very active in the western, central, eastern, and northeastern parts of the country. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy rain alert in 24 states on Tuesday (July 30).
Here, due to heavy rains in Wayanad, Kerala on Monday night, 4 villages namely Mundakkai, Choorlammala, Attamala and Noolpuzha villages were hit by a landslide. This killed five people, including two children. It is suspected that massive landslide that struck on Monday night might have left hundred of people fear trapped. The count of deaths and injured can increase in the coming time.
In a Facebook post, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that two Air Force helicopters would soon leave for Wayanad from Sulur to participate in the search and rescue operation.
According to reports, in 2019 also a landslide occurred in the same area of Wayanad, in which 17 people died and about 52 houses were destroyed.
Heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families: Rahul Gandhi
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
Former MP of Wayanad Rahul Gandhi took to X and expressed his anguish over the recent landslide incident in Wayanad. In a post on X he said, “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 District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad. I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations.”