A series of devastating landslides triggered by relentless rainfall have struck the hilly regions near Meppadi in Kerala's Wayanad district, leading to the tragic deaths of at least 158 people and leaving over 200 others injured. Government sources report that around 180 individuals are still trapped beneath the rubble, as rescue teams, including the Army, work tirelessly to locate and save survivors.
The disaster unfolded over four harrowing hours on Tuesday, impacting the villages of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha. The torrential rain also caused several residents to be swept away by the Chaliyar River, adding to the devastation.
In the aftermath, 45 relief camps have been established, providing shelter to 3,069 displaced individuals. Social media footage starkly depicts the extent of the destruction, showing uprooted trees and shattered homes scattered across the picturesque district.
Local authorities are utilizing ration card records and other official documents to identify those unaccounted for. Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has announced two days of state mourning and is overseeing the rescue operations directly from Wayanad.
On the second day of rescue efforts, military and disaster response teams meticulously combed through the wreckage. An additional 225 Army personnel were dispatched to the area, with units relocating from Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru to Calicut to bolster the ongoing operations.
In a crucial rescue mission, the Army erected a temporary structure to save over 1,000 people after a primary bridge in the district was destroyed. Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, continued rainfall raises the risk of further landslides, prompting officials to release emergency contact numbers for those in need.
The weather forecast predicts more rainfall for Wayanad and other districts, with a red alert issued for continued severe weather conditions. This has further complicated rescue operations and heightened concerns about additional landslides.
In response to the tragedy, Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister, MK Stalin, has pledged Rs 5 crore in aid to Kerala. Additionally, the Prime Minister's Office has declared financial assistance for the families of those deceased, providing some relief to those affected by the disaster.
The calamity has not only caused immense human suffering but also significant damage to infrastructure and property in Wayanad. The scenic district, known for its lush green hills and serene landscapes, now bears the scars of the catastrophic landslides. Uprooted trees, wrecked homes, and displaced families paint a grim picture of the aftermath.
The community's resilience is being tested as they come to terms with the loss and begin the long road to recovery. The relief camps, now a temporary home to thousands, are providing essential services and shelter, but the emotional and psychological toll on the residents is profound.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's presence in Wayanad underscores the gravity of the situation and the government's commitment to aiding those affected. The rescue and relief operations are being carried out with urgency and precision, reflecting the coordinated efforts of local authorities, the military, and disaster response teams.
As the rescue operations continue, the priority remains to save as many lives as possible and to provide support to the survivors. The spirit of unity and the outpouring of aid from neighboring states and the central government highlight the collective effort to overcome this tragedy.
In conclusion, the landslides in Wayanad have left a deep impact on the community, claiming numerous lives and displacing thousands. The ongoing rescue operations and relief efforts are crucial in addressing the immediate needs of the survivors and in laying the groundwork for recovery and rebuilding in the weeks and months to come.