Kerala: A landslide has occurred in Wayanad district of Kerala after heavy rains, in which hundreds of people are feared to be buried. This accident happened in various places of Wayanad district in the early hours of Tuesday. Kerala Health Minister Veena George has said that 43 people have died due to the landslide. A child is also among those who died. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed grief over the accident and announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the deceased.
The Health Minister has said that 70 people have been injured in the landslide. The first landslide occurred in Mundakkai town at around 1 am during heavy rains. While the rescue operation was still going on in Mundakkai, a second landslide occurred near a school in Chooral Mala at around 4 am. The school, which was running as a camp, and the nearby houses and shops were filled with water and mud due to the landslide. Rescue operations are currently underway.Â
Helpline number issued for emergency assistance
Kerala Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has informed that helpline numbers have been issued and Air Force has been engaged in rescue operations. CMO said, “Landslides have occurred in Wayanad after heavy rains. Health Department- National Health Mission has opened a control room and helpline numbers 9656938689 and 8086010833 have been issued for emergency assistance. Two Air Force helicopters MI-17 and one ALH have been dispatched.”Â
Hospitals on high alertÂ
Health Minister Veena George has said that all hospitals have been alerted to treat patients. She said, “Helpline numbers have been issued for emergency health facilities after the landslide in Wayanad. All hospitals including Vaithiri, Kalpetta, Meppadi and Mananthavady hospitals are fully prepared to treat patients. All health workers have reached for help during the night itself. More teams of health workers will be deployed in Wayanad.”
Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) said that teams of fire brigade and NDRF have been deployed in the landslide affected area. KSDMA said that two teams of Kannur Defence Security Corps have also been sent to Wayanad to help in the rescue operation. People of the affected areas have reported that hundreds of people are buried under the debris of the landslide. Officials have said that the rescue operation is being hampered due to continuous heavy rains.
Rain alert issued in the state
The Meteorological Department has also issued a rain alert in Kerala. The IMD has said that light to moderate rain is expected at most places. Heavy to very heavy rains may occur in some parts. There is a possibility of sporadic thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds in Kerala in the next three hours. Rain is also predicted in Wayanad, which may hinder rescue operations.
Ministers arriving at the spot
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that all government agencies have joined the search and rescue operation in the wake of the landslide. He said in a statement that rescue operations will be coordinated and state ministers are reaching Wayanad to lead the rescue operation. He said that in view of the disasters caused by landslides and rains in Wayanad district, the Health Department (National Health Mission) has opened a control room.
PM Modi announced compensation, expressed grief over the landslide accident
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed condolences to the people who lost their lives in the landslide. He has also announced compensation. PM Modi said, “I am saddened by the landslide in some parts of Wayanad. My condolences are with all those who have lost their loved ones and I pray for those who are injured. Rescue operations are currently underway to help all the affected people. I have spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and have also assured all possible help from the Center in view of the current situation there.”
Compensation has also been announced by PM Modi. The Prime Minister’s Office said, “The families of those who lost their lives in the landslide in Wayanad will be given Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia from PMNRF. The injured will get Rs 50,000 as compensation.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also expressed grief over the landslide in Kerala. He said on the social media platform X, “I am deeply saddened by the massive landslide near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those who are still trapped will be evacuated soon.”
Rahul said, “I have spoken to the Chief Minister of Kerala 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 about any help needed for relief efforts. I will speak to Union ministers and request them to provide all possible assistance to Wayanad. I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in rescue and relief operations.”
