At least 54 people have tragically lost their lives after massive landslides struck the hilly areas in Kerala’s Wayanad district this morning. Officials attribute the landslides to incessant rainfall in the region, with the state recording a staggering 372 mm of rain within the last 24 hours. Rescue operations are underway, with multiple agencies, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), actively involved in the affected hilly areas near Meppadi.
Around 250 people have been successfully rescued and relocated to temporary shelters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally spoken to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, assuring all necessary assistance to the state government. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office has announced compensation of ₹2 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives, and ₹50,000 for the injured. BJP chief JP Nadda emphasized that the priority is to rescue trapped individuals and recover the deceased. He stated, “Support from central agencies for relief has reached there. Work is being done in coordination with the state government. Right now, the primary thing is to recover the bodies and save those who can be saved.
Rescue Operations in Kerala
The affected areas include Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. However, the situation remains challenging due to collapsed roads, a swept-away bridge, and areas rendered unreachable. Health Minister Veena George mentioned that efforts are underway to re-establish connectivity, even though adverse weather conditions persist. Helicopters are also being considered for rescue operations 1.
As Kerala grapples with this natural calamity, the nation stands united in extending support and condolences to the affected families. Our thoughts are with those impacted by this devastating event.
Meteorological department officials have warned of more heavy rainfall in the coming days, raising concerns about further landslides and flooding. The disaster has highlighted the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events and urgent need for disaster preparedness measures.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation unfolds.
