At least 360 people have died and many more are missing after massive landslides struck the hilly areas near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district on Tuesday morning. Bad weather has hindered rescue efforts by the NDRF, Army and local officials.
The army deployed 200 soldiers from the Defence Security Corps and a medical team to assist with the rescue operations. Additionally, two helicopters from the Air Force Station in Sulur have been dispatched to aid in the efforts.
Hundreds of rescue workers are searching through mud and debris from the multiple landslides, with nearly 1,000 people having been rescued already after landslides, caused by relentless monsoon rains, hit the hills of Wayanad district.
Heavy rain in one of India’s most attractive tourist destinations collapsed hillsides, sending torrents of mud, water and tumbling boulders through tea and cardamom estates and small settlements – the worst disaster in the state since deadly floods in 2018.
At least 572mm (22.5 inches) of rain fell in the two days leading up to the landslide, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a statement.
Several areas, including Meppadi, Mundakkai and Chooralmala, were isolated, and roads were washed away causing immense damage to homes, said Vijayan in a statement released by his office. “Efforts to locate missing persons continue with all available resources,” the statement said, adding that more than 3,000 people have been moved to relief camps and the government is ensuring the delivery of food and essential items there.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the families of each deceased individual, along with Rs. 50,000 for those injured. Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition and former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He addressed the Lower House, urging the Union Government to provide all necessary support for rescue and medical care and to release compensation promptly to the families of the deceased, suggesting an increase in the compensation amount. Gandhi also highlighted the alarming rise in landslides in Wayanad and the Western Ghats, emphasizing the need for immediate mapping of landslide-prone areas and measures to mitigate such natural disasters.
