106 Killed in Wayanad Landslides, Kerala Declares 2-Day Mourning

Wayanad: The landslides in Wayanad, Kerala, have killed at least 106 people and injured 116. The Kerala government has declared a 2-day mourning period. Rescue operations are ongoing, with Union Minister George Kurian coordinating efforts involving the National Disaster Response Force, paramilitary forces, and local authorities. Specialist swimmers from the Indian Navy and helicopters from the Air Force are also assisting. The heavy rainfall-triggered landslides caused widespread destruction in villages like Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. Several women and children are among the dead, and hundreds are feared trapped.

Earlier in the Morning….

Wayanad Landslides: 19 Dead, 100s Trapped, Rescue by Air Force, NDRF

Wayanad: At least 19 people have died, and hundreds are trapped after three landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district. The rescue operations involve multiple agencies, including the NDRF and the Air Force.

Key Points:

Prime Minister’s Response: PM Modi has assured help to Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan and asked BJP workers to assist.
PM’s Statement: Expressed distress and assured all possible help from the Centre.
Compensation: ₹2 lakh for families of the deceased, ₹50,000 for the injured.
Chief Minister’s Actions: All agencies involved in rescue; state ministers coordinating operations.
Rescue Efforts: Involvement of Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, NDRF, Defence Security Corps, and two Air Force helicopters.
Rahul Gandhi’s Statement: Expressed anguish and condolences; emphasized rescue coordination.
Affected Areas: Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha; significant infrastructure damage.
UDF MLA’s Statement: Plans to airlift people; rescue efforts ongoing despite incomplete information.
Health Department: Control room established; emergency assistance available via helplines 9656938689 and 8086010833.

Rahul Gandhi posted on X as …

I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon. I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured me that rescue operations are underway. I have requested them to ensure coordination with all agencies, set up a control room, and inform us of any assistance needed for the relief efforts. I will speak to Union Ministers and request them to provide all assistance possible to Wayanad. I urge all UDF workers to assist the administration in the rescue and relief operations.

I am deeply anguished by the massive landslides near Meppadi in Wayanad. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families who have lost their loved ones. I hope those still trapped are brought to safety soon.

I have spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad…
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 30, 2024

Prime Minister Modi posted on X as…

Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured.

Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there.

Distressed by the landslides in parts of Wayanad. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones and prayers with those injured.

Rescue ops are currently underway to assist all those affected. Spoke to Kerala CM Shri @pinarayivijayan and also assured all possible…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 30, 2024