At least 143 people have tragically lost their lives and around 186 others sustained injuries following a series of devastating landslides that struck Kerala's picturesque Wayanad district amidst heavy rainfall yesterday. The calamity has left hundreds feared trapped, prompting a massive rescue operation by government agencies and volunteers in the affected areas.
The Army, alongside over 500 personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), state police, forest officials, and volunteers, has been tirelessly engaged in rescue efforts since the incident unfolded. Brigadier Arjun Seagan confirmed that more than 1,000 individuals have been successfully evacuated from the affected regions thus far. Naval teams and Air Force helicopters have been mobilized to aid in rescue operations, with plans for airlifting stranded individuals as soon as weather conditions permit.
The region has been grappling with incessant rainfall, totaling 372 mm within 24 hours prior to the landslides, which further complicated relief efforts by causing road blockages. Weather forecasts predict continued heavy rainfall across Wayanad and several other districts, including Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod, with four districts placed under an orange alert.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his support to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, pledging assistance to the state government in managing the crisis. He directed BJP chief JP Nadda to ensure party workers contribute to rescue operations. The Prime Minister's Office has announced financial compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.
The landslides have caused extensive damage, with numerous homes destroyed, water bodies swollen, and trees uprooted in villages such as Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting to oversee rescue operations and ensure adequate health and safety measures at relief camps.
As rescue efforts continue amidst challenging conditions, authorities remain vigilant, prioritizing the safety and well-being of those affected by this tragic natural disaster.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability posed by extreme weather events and highlights the critical importance of timely and coordinated response efforts in mitigating their impact on vulnerable communities.
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