Wayanad Landslides: Death Toll Mounts To 256, Over 200 Missing As Army Ramps Up Search, Rescue Ops

A catastrophic series of landslides has wreaked havoc in Kerala's Wayanad district, claiming the lives of at least 256 people and leaving over 200 injured.

The landslides, which occurred following days of relentless rainfall, have devastated several hilly areas in the region.

Photo Credit: PTI

The villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha have been among the worst hit, with many homes buried under debris and large swathes of land swept away.

Rescue operations

In response to the disaster, the Indian Army, in coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies, launched extensive search and rescue operations. The Army has successfully rescued approximately 1,000 people from the affected areas, yet over 190 individuals are still missing, reported PTI.

The rescue efforts are concentrated along a six-kilometer stretch in the worst-affected zones.

A Command and Control Centre has been established in Kozhikode by the Army to manage and streamline the ongoing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.

A temporary Bailey bridge is being constructed in Chooralmala by the Engineer Task Force from the Madras Engineer Group to facilitate access to remote areas. To bolster the efforts, the Indian Air Force has deployed additional resources, including a 110-feet Bailey bridge and three specialised search and rescue dog teams, which have been airlifted to Kannur.

Two more HADR columns, consisting of 135 personnel, have been airlifted from Thiruvananthapuram to Kozhikode to assist in the rescue operations.

Continued threat and warnings

Despite the ongoing rescue operations, the situation remains precarious as heavy rainfall continues to lash the region, raising concerns about the possibility of further landslides.

An NDRF official warned of the continued risk due to the unstable terrain and persistent rain. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted more rain for Wayanad and neighboring districts in the coming days.

A red alert has been issued for several districts, including Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Kasargod, indicating the likelihood of extremely heavy rainfall.

International and national response

The tragedy has drawn widespread attention and condolences from various countries, including the United States, Russia, China, and Iran.

These nations have expressed their sympathies to the families of the victims and the people of Kerala. The disaster has also mobilised extensive relief efforts within India, with multiple agencies working around the clock to provide aid and support to the affected population.

Public assistance and communication

To assist those impacted by the disaster, helpline numbers (9656938689 and 8086010833) have been issued, providing a vital communication link for those seeking information about missing relatives or requiring assistance.

The Wayanad landslides represent one of the most severe natural disasters in recent times for Kerala, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of hilly regions to extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.

The rescue operations continue as authorities race against time to find survivors amidst challenging conditions.