Deadly landslips hit Kerala's Wayanad; many dead, 36 bodies recovered
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Kerala's Wayanad once again turns victim of the fury of weather. Heavy landslides hit the district in the small hours of Tuesday 30 July 2024
Wayanad: In torrential rains, Kerala's Wayanad witnessed severe landslides early on Tuesday. The deadly landslips reported in multiple places are believed to have trapped many people, PTI reported.
The first landslip was reported in Wayanad's Mundakkai, which was around 1:00 am on Tuesday, while a second hit Chooralmala around 4:00 am. Rescue operations are going on while it is reported that 36 dead bodies were recovered. One of the deceased has been identified as a foreigner, reports suggest.
More news suggests that many people are stuck in the area while heavy rains continue. A bridge connecting Chooralmala and Mundakkai got washed away, and it is difficult for rescue teams to reach there. Around 400 families are reported to be isolated in Mundakkai, and many were injured in the disaster.
A 20-member National Disaster Response Team (NDRF) has been dispatched to Mundakkai.
The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has said that Fireforce and NDRF teams have been deployed to the affected area.
Two teams of Kannur Defence Security Corps have also been instructed to move to Wayanad to assist in the rescue efforts, according to a Facebook post by the KSDMA.
Meanwhile, Landslips have been reported in the Kozhikode district and in the Vilangad and Manjacheeli areas, causing widespread damage. Houses in the area are inundated, and power infrastructure is down. However, no casualties have been reported so far.
Vehicle transit has been restricted to the Thamarassery pass. A way should be made through the pass to avoid traffic jams and to deliver rescue materials to Mundakkai. In the wake of the rains in Wayanad district, including landslides, the Health Department - National Health Mission has opened a control room. Call 9656938689 for emergency assistance.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that all possible rescue operations would be coordinated in the disaster that hit two districts. The government systems have joined together in the rescue operation. The CM also stated that he would monitor the rescue operations along with ministers in Wayanad.