Landslide Tragedy, 23 Dead Many More Missing in
The toll in the Wayanad landslides has risen to 23, according to Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George. The landslides hit the hilly Wayanad district on Tuesday.
George stated that 23 bodies have been recovered and are being kept in various hospital morgues. The victims include four people, including a child, who died in Chooralmala town, and a one-year-old child of a family from Nepal who died in Thondernad village.
Three bodies, including that of a five-year-old, were recovered from the banks of a river near Pothukal village. Hundreds are feared to be trapped, but authorities have not confirmed this.
State Revenue Minister K Rajan reported that over 70 persons who were injured in the landslides have been admitted to various hospitals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the incident and assured all possible help from the Centre to the state.
The landslides have left a trail of destruction, with several houses destroyed, water bodies swollen, and trees uprooted. Affected areas include Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages.
Wayanad district Collector Meghasree D R stated that disaster relief work is progressing in affected areas, and rescue operations are being carried out by various agencies, including the NDRF, fire force, police, and local residents.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced that two Air Force helicopters will depart for Wayanad to take part in the search and rescue operations. Several families have been moved to camps or relatives’ homes due to the landslides.
The situation remains dire, with many areas still cut off, and the full extent of the damage and casualties not yet known. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with authorities working to reach affected areas and provide assistance to those in need.
