On the 31st of July, the district authorities in Wayanad, Kerala, embarked on the process of tallying the number of people affected by the devastating Wayanad Landslide. The landslides that struck the hillside areas of Meppadi on Tuesday morning have so far claimed the lives of at least 158 people and injured around 197 others in the Wayanad Landslide tragedy.

The situation is being handled on the ground by the Indian Army, NDRF, and other disaster management agencies who are busy carrying out rescue operations in affected parts. As rescue operations recommenced, teams are now focused on locating those believed to be trapped. Helicopters have been deployed to airlift the injured from the disaster-stricken areas.

The Indian Army and other groups managed to take out 19 civilians from Ela Resort and Vana Rani Resort near Mundkai village in Wayanad. At the same time, the Indian Coast Guard is going all out in its search and rescue operations for the victims of the landslide that occurred in Wayanad. Kochi and Beypore Disaster Relief units are already on-site, providing crucial aid and support. 

Furthermore, several army companies from Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru have been rushed to Calicut by road and through air with disaster relief specialists, medical teams, ambulances, and necessary equipment.

Wayanad Landslide
Image Source: NGO

Several families have reported their loved ones missing. In response, 45 relief camps have been set up in Wayanad, providing shelter for 3,069 individuals.The Kerala government has declared a state of mourning on July 30 and 31. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured. To support affected citizens, the Kerala Government has established two control rooms, available at 9656938689 and 8086010833, to handle distress calls.

Weather Alerts and Impact on Wayanad Landslide

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has declared a red alert for Wayanad and all the northern regions of Kerala because of very severe landslides caused due to continuous rains. This alert is for areas that may receive more than 20 cm of rainfall in the course of 24 hours. Furthermore, there are eight other districts now under red alert. On the other hand, an orange alert has been sounding for Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam with an expected very heavy rainfall between 11 cm-20 cm. There is also a yellow alert for several areas for rainfall between 6 cm and 11 cm in intensity

Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the corporate sector to come forward and donate liberally for the relief and rehabilitation measures for the victims of ill-fated landslide tragedies in Wayanad district of Kerala. He encouraged business organizations to incorporate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects to support rebuilding of the impacted areas.

The CM stated in his letter, “The scale of the disaster requires a coordinated and substantial response from all sectors of society, especially corporate entities, which have consistently been strong supporters in times of crisis.”

"I had an opportunity to visit the relief camps and talk in detail to the victims who are staying there. This is one of the worst calamities that happened recently. I spoke to the CM of Kerala and brought the issues to the notice of the PM and Defense Minister. The PM is fully committed to doing whatever is required for the rescue and relief operations. We are with the victims,” said the Bengal Governor.

While speaking to the press, Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram said, "It is tragic that such a calamity has happened. My prayers and thoughts are with all those who are affected. I am sure that the state and the central government will do everything it can to hasten the rescue operations."

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