Wayanad Landslides: Bodies Float, bridges destroyed, houses washed away as 3 back-to-back landslides strike the place

At least 63 people were killed and 116 have been injured after landslides hit the area three in a row in 4 hours. In addition to this, hundreds are believed to be trapped in the region while rescue operations are ongoing in the hilly areas.

The landslides took place at Chooralmala village sweeping much of the village land, destroying bridges, roads and houses. The incident took place near Meppadi in Kerala’s Wayanad district following heavy rainfall.

Rescue operations were started by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) along with the fire brigade, and police arrived on the scene and started working on the situation after proper analysis. As per the responses recorded from the authorities, they are still unaware about the full extent of the damage caused by the landslides.

The villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha were among the hardest hit. Rescue teams are also concerned about the number of people who have been swept away by the Chaliyar river that flows in the region.

The Indian Army has deployed 225 soldiers along with medical teams to carry out rescue efforts alongside the NDRF and SDRF teams. The IAF have put 2 helicopters in operation, a Mi17 and another an Advanced Light Helicopter on work. The helos are being used to carry the injured from one place to another and for transporting dry rations for people stuck in the region.

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Indian PM Narendra Modi reached out to Kerala’s State Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan offering full support to tackle the ongoing crisis. The PM office has announced a compensation of INR 2 Lakhs for families who have lost their members and INR 50000 for injured personnels.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert warning in the northern districts of Kerala. Heavy rainfall is expected at Kasaragod, Kannur, Wayanad, Kozhikode, and Malappuram according to the reports.