Wayanad Landslide Survivors Allege Their Abandoned Homes Being Looted

Residents of landslide-stricken villages in Kerala's Wayanad district, who had to evacuate their homes, have reported thefts from their deserted properties.

This has led the police to intensify night patrols in the area.

The displaced villagers believe that thieves are exploiting the state's significant humanitarian crisis to steal valuables. Some affected individuals have called on authorities to identify and penalise those entering the area at night with the intent to steal.

Authorities announced on Saturday evening that police patrols had been initiated in disaster-hit areas such as Chooralmala and Mundakkai. "Action will be taken against those who enter the affected areas or homes of the victims at night without permission," stated an official release.

"No one is allowed to enter the affected areas or homes, either in the name of rescue operations or otherwise, without police permission at night," it added.

As rescue efforts in the landslide-affected regions entered their fifth day, more bodies and body parts were discovered. The death toll has now reached 215, with approximately 206 people still missing.

"We are the ones who have lost everything in the tragedy," a resident told reporters. "We had abandoned our homes to ensure our safety during the landslide tragedy. But when we returned to check the state of our home after that, we found the doors broken open."

The resident also mentioned that thieves had even targeted their room at a resort where they are currently staying, stealing their clothes.

The ongoing crisis has prompted local authorities to take stringent measures to protect abandoned properties and ensure safety for all residents.