Kerala Landslide: 84 Dead, Over 100 Feared Trapped

At least 84 people, including two children, have died in landslides that hit Kerala's hilly Wayanad district on Tuesday. Over 100 people are feared trapped in the incident.

Of those killed, four people, including a child, died in the Chooralmala town of the district, while a one-year-old child of a Nepali family died in the Thondernad village, PTI reported citing the Wayanad district authorities.

The Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha villages were among the areas affected and cut off by the landslides.

In a video message, UDF MLA T Siddique said district authorities were drawing up plans to airlift people from the Mundakkai area. "Currently, we have no complete information about those missing and dead in the landslides. Many areas have been cut off. NDRF personnel are trying to reach those places." he said.

Meanwhile, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said in a Facebook post that two Air Force helicopters will depart for Wayanad from Sulur shortly to take part in the search and rescue operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed anguish over the loss of lives in landslides. At least 19 people have died while over 100 are feared trapped in the incident.

In a post on X, PM Modi said that he has assured Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of all possible help from the Centre to handle the crisis. He has also announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

He wrote, "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 Pinarayi Vijayan and also assured all possible help from the Centre in the wake of the prevailing situation there."

The Prime Minister has has asked BJP president J P Nadda to mobilise party workers in the region to assist in the ongoing relief work.

According to district authorities, several families have been moved to the various camps or homes of their relatives in the wake of the landslides.

According to reports, 400 families have been stranded in the region after the bridge near Chooral Mala Town collapsed. This bridge was the only access point to the town. Meanwhile, two helicopters from Sulur Air Force Station are en route to Wayanad, and two teams from the Kannur Defense Security Corps are also heading there.

Meanwhile, the Health Department - National Health Mission has opened a control room and issued helpline numbers. People can contact these two numbers for emergency assistance - 9656938689 and 8086010833.

In Wayanad, Kerala, the high-range villages have been ravaged by massive landslides, leaving behind destroyed houses, swollen water bodies, and broken branches from uprooted trees.

The once picturesque hamlets of Mundakkai, Chooralmala, Attamala, and Noolpuzha now present a scene of devastation, with landslides severing their connections to other areas.

Floodwaters have washed away vehicles, leaving them tangled in tree trunks or submerged. Swollen rivers have altered their courses, flooding inhabited areas and causing further damage.

Large boulders, dislodged from the hills, have obstructed rescue efforts. Despite heavy rains, rescue workers are seen transporting the dead and injured to ambulances.

The mass uprooting of trees and flood damage have transformed the affected villages into areas that resemble a barren landscape.

On the other hand, Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi has expressed his deep anguish over the 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," the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha said in his X post.

Gandhi said that he has spoken to the Kerala Chief Minister and the Wayanad District Collector, who assured him 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," he added.