Heart-breaking scene: Chaliyar River carries away with lifeless bodies

Just when the memory of the catastrophic Kavalappara landslide seemed to be fading, a new disaster struck the region. The serene landscapes of Wayanad have once again become a grim reminder of nature’s fury as a devastating landslide at Mundakkai has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The Chaliyar River, which was transformed into a raging torrent by the landslide, has left 25 dead bodies in the chasms of Pothukallu.

The disaster unfolded early this morning when torrential rains triggered a massive landslide in the Mundakkai region. The Chaliyar River, normally a gentle flow, turned into a forceful current carrying debris and human remains over several kilometres. The river’s relentless rage transported bodies and body parts to various locations including Amputtanpotti, Kunippal, Machikkai, Bhoodhanam, Vellilamad, and Munderi Kambipalam, leaving a trail of devastation and heartbreak.

Rescue operations began after reports emerged of bodies floating down the river. By 7:30 AM, the body of a child was discovered in the Kunippal chasm, suspended among broken tree trunks. The discovery led to an immediate response from rescue workers, police, fire force personnel, and local volunteers, who converged on Pothukallu to manage the crisis.

As the day progressed, around 3 PM, a total of 25 bodies, including those of women and children, were recovered from the Chaliyar River. Sixteen of these bodies were transported to the Nilambur district hospital for further processing, while nine bodies were in the midst of an inquest near Vaniyambuzha and Iruttukuthi. Besides, eight separate body parts were also found. The rescue operations are ongoing, with teams working tirelessly to locate any additional victims.

The Chaliyar River originates from the Nilgiri hills, approximately 900 meters above sea level. The river’s tributaries flow from the eastern Nilgiri hills and the northern Wayanad mountain ranges, which are known for their numerous rapids and waterfalls. The landslide in Mundakkai caused the river to carry a massive volume of debris and water, flooding through Chulikkapuzha and the Sujippara waterfall before reaching Kablappara.

The river then traversed dense forest areas with steep slopes, eventually flowing southward as Vaniyapuzha and reaching Pothukallu. By the time the river reached Pothukallu, the flow had significantly diminished, which likely caused the bodies to become lodged in the chasms.

This tragic event comes just a few years after the Kavalappara landslide on August 8, 2019, which had already left an indelible mark on Kerala. That disaster had engulfed a village, burying 45 houses and claiming 59 lives, with 48 bodies recovered. Eleven people were lost without a trace as the landslide buried them.

The current disaster has mobilized a massive rescue effort across the affected areas of Chooralmala and Mundakkai. Key figures involved in the rescue operations include Ministers K. Rajan, A.K. Shashidharan, Kadanappally Ramachandran, P.A. Mohammed Riyas, and O.R. Kelu, along with MLA T. Siddique and I.C. Balakrishnan. District Panchayat President Shamshad Marakkar and various political party representatives are also leading the efforts.

District Collector R.D. Meghashree and District Police Chief T. Narayanan are coordinating the rescue operations, supported by a range of volunteers, NGOs, and local residents.

Thousands of people, including army platoons, NDRF teams, fire force units, police, and departments of forest, revenue, and local self-governance, are participating in the rescue and relief efforts. Heavy machinery, ambulances, and other essential equipment are being utilized to facilitate the operations.

The health department has set up a fully equipped medical team at Chooralmala, and an IRIS control room has been activated at the taluk level. Fire force teams and Kannur defence security units have also arrived to assist in the operations. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with NDRF, Madras Regiment, Defense Service Corps, and voluntary forces using boats and dinghies to reach and rescue those trapped in Mundakkai and Attamala.

As part of the disaster relief, media control rooms have been established both at the district level in Wayanad by the Information and Public Relations Department and at the state level in Thiruvananthapuram by the PRD Directorate. These measures aim to keep the public informed and coordinate the extensive rescue and relief operations underway.