Wayanad landslide updates: death toll rises to 70

Wayanad: Following the deadly landslides in Kerala's Wayanad, which incurred hefty damages to the district and took lives that are yet to be tabulated, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan informed that a team of Navy officials from the Indian Naval Academy, Ezhimala, will land in Wayanad to boost rescue operations, The News Minute reported.

In an X post, Vijayan wrote that a delegation of five ministers has been assigned to Wayanad to address the aftermath of the recent landslide and oversee ongoing relief efforts. Forest Minister AK Saseendran has already reached the affected area to assess the damage and coordinate immediate response measures."

Meanwhile, a news update stated that around 700 people were stuck in an estate bungalow of the Harissons Malayalam estate. They include estate workers and residents of the neighbourhood. The company also informed the terrible news of eight of their workers going missing.

A hospital in Mundakkai was totally swept away by the land slip. Now medicines and first aid can only be brought after recues teams access the disaster hit spot. Till 11:00 am, rescue teams weren't able to land at Mundakkai, as per a TNM report.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin promised any kind of logistical or manpower support to the rescue teams in Wayanad.

"Deeply pained to learn about the massive landslides in Wayanad and the consequent loss of priceless lives. I am given to understand that many people are still trapped in the area. I am sure the rescue operations that are in full swing will save them all. The government of Tamil Nadu is willing to extend any logistical or manpower support that may be needed in this hour of crisis to our brother state Kerala," Stalin wrote on X.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the immediate of the deceased in the disaster. Also, Rs 50,000 to the injured. Both are from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund.