Wayanad Landslides - Key Updates
1. Casualties and Rescue Operations:
- The death toll rises to 50, and hundreds are feared trapped following three landslides in Wayanad, Kerala. The incidents occurred amid heavy rain, severely impacting the hilly areas near Meppadi.
- Multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, and Kannur Defence Security Corps, are involved in rescue operations. The Air Force has been called in, with two helicopters being deployed.
2. Prime Minister's Response:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his distress over the situation and offered condolences to the families of the victims. He has assured Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of all possible assistance from the Centre.
- The Prime Minister announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
3. Chief Minister's Actions:
- Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confirmed that all relevant agencies are engaged in the rescue efforts. State ministers are coordinating the operations to ensure efficient response and assistance.
4. Rahul Gandhi's Statement:
- Congress leader and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi expressed deep sorrow over the calamity and extended his condolences. He communicated with the Chief Minister and the district collector, urging coordinated efforts in rescue operations. He also called on UDF workers to support the relief efforts.
5. Affected Areas:
- The landslides have primarily affected the areas of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. The heavy rain has caused bridges and roads to be swept away, making several regions inaccessible.
6. Emergency Measures:
- The Kerala state Health Department has set up a control room to manage the crisis. People in need of emergency assistance can contact authorities via the helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833.
7. District Authorities' Actions:
- District authorities are considering airlifting people from severely affected areas like Mundakkai. UDF MLA T Siddique mentioned that complete information about the missing and deceased is still being gathered as several areas remain isolated.
8. 15 bodies recovered from Chaliyar river in Malappuram:
Fifteen bodies of Wayanad landslide victims recovered from Chaliyar River Sy Pothukallu in Malappuram. More bodies are still being fished out, said Pothukallu police. A tributary of the Chaliyar River flows from the Meppadi hills of Wayanad, where a chain of landslides occurred today.
9. IMD warns of heavy rains in Kerala for the next 24 hours:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert that the existing extremely heavy rainfall activity across Kerala is very likely to continue for the next 24 hours, particularly in Central to North Kerala.
Inputs by Agencies
Image Source: Multiple Agencies
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