Landslide Alert in Thrissur, Rahul Priyanka visit Wayanad

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Landslide Alert Issued for Akamala in Kerala’s Thrissur District

Authorities have issued a landslide alert for Akamala in Kerala’s Thrissur district following recent severe weather conditions. The alert comes as part of a precautionary measure due to the region's susceptibility to landslides in the aftermath of heavy rains. Residents of Akamala have been advised to stay vigilant and avoid travel to landslide-prone areas. Local officials are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to implement evacuation procedures if necessary to ensure the safety of the community. This alert highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Kerala in managing the impacts of recent natural disasters, following significant landslides in other parts of the state.

Residents of Akamala Urged to Evacuate as Landslide Alert Issued

On August 1, the Wadakkanchery municipality has issued an urgent evacuation notice for residents of Akamala, a locality near Wadakkanchery in Thrissur district, Kerala. The alert follows heightened concerns over potential landslides in the region due to recent severe weather conditions. Authorities have advised residents to vacate the area immediately to ensure their safety. The municipality is coordinating with emergency services to facilitate a smooth evacuation process and provide assistance to those affected. This proactive measure underscores the ongoing vigilance required in Kerala, as the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of recent natural disasters. A joint inspection by various departments found the possibility of landslide in the Akamala area.

Akamala Residents Advised to Evacuate Due to Landslide Risk

Following a joint inspection by multiple departments, authorities have identified a significant risk of landslides in the Akamala area near Wadakkanchery, Thrissur district. Consequently, on August 1, residents were urged to evacuate as a precautionary measure. A total of 41 families in the area have been advised to relocate to safer locations until the end of the monsoon season. This precautionary step is aimed at ensuring the safety of the residents amid ongoing concerns over unstable terrain and adverse weather conditions.

The state has set up various helpline numbers to assist those affected by the landslide. The toll free number is 1077, while the district administration helpline numbers are:

District Emergency Operation Centre - 04936 204151, 9562804151, 8078409770

Sulthan Bathery Taluk Emergency Operation Centre - 04936 223355-220296, 6238461385

Mananthavadi Taluk Emergency Operation Centre - 04935 241111-240231, 9446637748

Vythiri Taluk Emergency Operation Centre - 04936 256100, 8590842965, 9447097705

Rahul & Priyanka's Visit to Wayanad

Rescue operations continued on Thursday as the death toll from the devastating landslides in the Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas near Meppadi in Wayanad district, Kerala, surpassed 200. The landslides, triggered by incessant heavy rains, have wreaked havoc in the region, causing widespread destruction and leaving many areas cut off. Emergency response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local authorities, are working tirelessly to locate survivors and provide aid to those affected. The situation remains critical as efforts continue to clear debris and restore connectivity to the isolated communities.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that the government will establish relief camps in the landslide-affected Wayanad district, with separate units for each family to ensure their privacy. Following an all-party meeting in Wayanad, Mr. Vijayan addressed journalists, stating that access to the camps will be restricted to maintain a peaceful environment for the survivors. The district administration will implement a system of reception desks to register visitors, with designated common areas for meetings and interviews. To further protect the privacy of the residents, cameras will not be allowed inside the camps.

On Thursday afternoon, Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited the landslide-affected area of Chooralmala in Wayanad. AICC General Secretary and Alappuzha MP K. C. Venugopal also joined them.

The Indian Army has announced that the Bailey Bridge spanning the Iruvanjipuzha River will be operational by 3 p.m. This bridge is crucial as it will provide a vital land link, enabling the rapid deployment of additional rescue workers and machinery, including earth movers, from Chooralmala to the isolated area of Mundakkai.

"Witnessing these scenes of tragedy deeply pains my heart. In these difficult times, Priyanka and I stand with the people of Wayanad. We are closely monitoring the relief, rescue, and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that all necessary assistance is provided. The UDF is committed to extending all possible support. The repeated incidents of landslides and natural calamities are extremely concerning. A comprehensive action plan is urgently needed." - LoP Rahul Gandhi

August 1, 2024

Bailey Bridge Across Iruvanjipuzha River to Begin Operations by 3 p.m., Says Indian Army

The Indian Army announced that the Bailey Bridge across the Iruvanjipuzha River will be operational by 3 p.m. today. This crucial infrastructure will provide a vital land link, enabling the swift movement of rescue workers and machinery, including earth movers, from Chooralmala to the isolated area of Mundakkai.

In addition to this, the Army has requested remote sensing equipment and ground radars from the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) to aid in locating persons reported missing after the catastrophic landslide. This technology is expected to significantly enhance the search and rescue operations, offering hope to those awaiting news of missing loved ones.

Body of Chamarajanagar Man Found 100 km Away from His Village in Kerala

Rescue teams have recovered the body of Rajendra from Irsavadi, Chamarajanagar, Karnataka, who had been missing along with his wife Rathnamma following the devastating landslide in Wayanad. The discovery was made more than 100 km away from Chooralmala village in Kerala, highlighting the vast scale of the disaster's impact. The search for Rathnamma continues.

Rajendra's body was located about 100 km from Chooralmala and was brought to Meppadi hospital on the evening of July 31. The last rites were performed at 9:30 p.m.

Official sources have also reported that the bodies of two out of eight missing members of a family from Chooralmala, who are natives of Vakkalagere village in T. Narasipura taluk, Mysuru district, have been found. The search efforts are ongoing as authorities continue to look for the remaining missing individuals.

ISRO Releases Satellite Images of Landslide at Chooralmala in Wayanad

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) has released high-resolution satellite images capturing the extensive damage caused by the recent landslide in Wayanad district, Kerala. These images, taken before and after the July 30 disaster, reveal the scale of the devastation in Chooralmala. The NRSC reported that approximately 86,000 square metres of land were displaced due to the landslip.

Central Institute Prepares Food Products with Longer Shelf Life for Landslide Victims

In response to the recent landslides in Wayanad, a Central government scientific research institute has been tirelessly working to provide essential food supplies to the survivors. The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST) in Thiruvananthapuram has transformed its technology transfer incubation cell into a food processing and production unit.

A dedicated team of over 70 individuals, including scientists and research scholars, has been operating in shifts to produce 1,000 packets of each food item. These food products are designed to have a longer shelf life, ensuring that the affected individuals have access to necessary nourishment during this challenging time. The initiative highlights the institute's swift and innovative response to the crisis, providing vital support to those in need.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Visit Landslide-Hit Chooralmala in Wayanad

Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi, along with his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, visited the landslide-affected area of Chooralmala in Wayanad on Thursday afternoon. Despite the rain, the Gandhis proceeded to assess the situation and express solidarity with the affected families.

Following their visit to the landslide site, they traveled to the Community Health Centre in Meppadi to meet with victims and assess the healthcare response. Their itinerary also included stops at Dr. Moopen’s Medical College and two relief camps in Meppadi, where they interacted with the displaced residents. They were accompanied by AICC General Secretary and Alappuzha MP K. C. Venugopal. The visit underscores the party's commitment to supporting the affected communities during this challenging time.

CM Announces Family-Unit Relief Camps in Wayanad for Landslide Survivors

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has announced that the government will organize relief camps in the landslide-affected areas of Wayanad as separate units for individual family survivors to ensure their privacy.

Addressing journalists after an all-party meeting in Wayanad, Mr. Vijayan emphasized the need for privacy and mental counseling for those affected by the disaster. He stated that the district administration would set up reception desks to register visitors, with a designated common area for meetings and interviews. To maintain the dignity and peace of the survivors, cameras will not be permitted inside the camps.

"The relief camps will provide sanctuary to those traumatized by the loss of their loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Ensuring privacy and offering mental counseling are crucial for helping them come to terms with this devastating event," Mr. Vijayan said.

Idukki Mother Offers Breast Milk to Orphaned Infants in Wayanad Landslides

In the midst of the tragedy that has struck Wayanad, a touching story has emerged from Idukki. A mother of two has selflessly volunteered to provide her breast milk to infants who lost their mothers in the recent landslides, which have claimed 173 lives.

The woman, along with her husband and two children—aged four years and four months—has traveled from their home in Idukki to Wayanad. In an interview, she expressed her empathy and understanding as a mother, saying, "I am a mother of two small children. I know how difficult it must be for children without their mothers. That is what prompted me to take this decision." She added that her husband was fully supportive of her choice.

The woman's husband echoed her sentiments, stating that after hearing about the children who had lost one or both parents, they felt compelled to offer their assistance in any way they could.

Truck Movements Stalled Due to Traffic Regulations on Thamarassery Ghat Road

Traffic regulations imposed on the Thamarassery ghat road, following the recent landslides in Wayanad, have led to a significant halt in the movement of heavy inter-state trucks. Many of the stranded truck drivers, who arrived at the site two days ago, were caught unaware of the new traffic restrictions. While some trucks have been diverted through the Kuttiyadi pass, a considerable number remain stuck, awaiting clearance to traverse the Thamarassery pass.

According to police officers stationed at Thamarassery, only trucks transporting perishable or emergency goods are permitted to enter the Thamarassery pass. They reported that many of the trucks parked near Adivaram and Thamarassery are not carrying goods classified as emergency or perishable.

Lorry operators, on the other hand, are facing difficulties as most of the vehicles are loaded with high-value items such as electronics and home appliances. The lack of facilities at the parking areas is exacerbating their plight, making the waiting period particularly arduous.

Inputs by Agencies

Image Source: Multiple Sources