December 22, 2024

Kerala: Wayanad Landslides Claim 308 Lives

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Wayanad landslides

Kerala: Death toll rises to 308 in Wayanad landslides

Kerala’s Health Minister Veena George announced on Friday that the death toll from the Wayanad landslides on July 30 has reached 308.

Ongoing rescue and relief efforts are concentrated in the Chooralmala and Mundakkai areas within the Meppadi region, which were severely impacted by the landslides.

Minister George reported that 195 bodies and 113 body parts have been recovered to date.

Indian Army’s Response to Wayanad Landslides

Earlier today, the Indian Army handed over a 190-feet Bailey Bridge to the civil administration. This bridge, constructed over the Iruvanjippuzha river, reconnects the regions of Chooralmala and Mundakkai, which were isolated by the landslides.

A statement from the Defence Ministry indicated that heavy earth-moving equipment had been transported across the bridge, and vehicle movement is now regulated by the civil administration. Additionally, Army personnel attended a meeting at the Wayanad District Collector’s office to coordinate efforts. Officials reported that search operations, which commenced at 7 am, involve relief teams and dog squads. These teams are composed of 10 groups, each with 30 members, including Armed Forces and Police personnel.

The affected area has been divided into six zones to streamline the recovery of missing persons based on accessibility and prospects of recovery. The zones are as follows: Zone 1 – Punchirimattom region, Zone 2 – Mundekkai region, Zone 3 – School area, Zone 4 – Chooralmala town area, Zone 5 – Village area, and Zone 6 – Downstream.

Kerala Landslide: Drone Footage Reveals The Trail Of Devastation In Wayanad
The Indian Express Youtube

Coordinated Rescue Efforts in Wayanad Landslides

Rescue and relief operations are being conducted at multiple locations in Wayanad by the Army, NDRF, SDRF, and civil administration. These efforts focus on the quick evacuation of stranded individuals and the provision of essential amenities and medical assistance.

Visits from Political Leaders

Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi visited the affected sites on Thursday. They also met with people in shelter camps in Wayanad and continue to stay in the area on Friday.

Chief Minister’s Response

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level meeting in Wayanad to assess the situation. He emphasized that rescue operations are the main priority, with rehabilitation efforts to follow promptly.

Support for CMDRF

The Chief Minister’s appeal for contributions to the Chief Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund (CMDRF) has received substantial support. Campaign drives have generated donations from various sources to aid the affected regions.

The campaign aims to mobilize contributions from both residents and businesses, with organizers hoping to gather significant support through these efforts. Despite negative propaganda against the relief fund, the initiative seeks to reinforce public trust and ensure the fund’s effectiveness.

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