Fresh landslide and rain in Wayanad complicates rescue efforts, death toll rises to 84

Wayanad: A fresh landslide has struck the already affected Mundakkai region in Wayanad, exacerbating the challenges faced by rescue teams. The Indian Navy and rescue personnel are en route to the severely impacted area to assist with the operations.

Kerala Chief Secretary V. Venu reported that over 84 bodies have been recovered so far as rescue efforts continue in the landslide-hit regions. According to the state revenue minister's office, around 116 individuals rescued from Chooralmala are currently injured and receiving treatment at various hospitals across the district.

A naval contingent of 150 personnel from Pangode, Thiruvananthapuram, is set to arrive to support the rescue operations. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State George Kurian is heading to Wayanad to oversee relief and rescue efforts. Acting on instructions from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kurian will coordinate with National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams, paramilitary forces, Kerala government officials, and other agencies involved in the operation.

In a gesture of support, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has allocated Rs 5 crore from the Tamil Nadu CM General Funds for relief efforts to the Kerala government. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also reached out to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring full support from the Centre to aid the affected populations. The NDRF is already on the ground conducting relief and rescue operations.

The landslides, triggered by heavy rainfall early Tuesday, have caused extensive damage in Wayanad’s hilly terrain. Rescue teams are struggling to recover bodies from rivers and debris, with the exact number of fatalities still unclear. Among the deceased are several women and children, and hundreds are feared trapped. The disaster has left a trail of destruction, including destroyed homes, swollen water bodies, and uprooted trees.