Wayanad: Monsoon Fury in Wayanad: Massive landslides in Kerala's Wayanad have resulted in the tragic loss of at least 308 lives, said Kerala Health Minister Veena George. The disaster, driven by heavy monsoon rains, continues to cause widespread devastation as rescue operations persist in several areas.
The landslides have left around 200 people injured and an additional 240 individuals missing as of Thursday. Minister George reported that rescue teams have so far recovered 195 bodies and 113 body parts from the affected areas.
Rescue workers are facing significant challenges in their search for survivors and bodies due to waterlogged soil and the debris of homes and buildings. Today marks the fourth day of the disaster, with 40 teams of rescuers braving the rain and difficult terrain in their ongoing efforts in Wayanad.
In the severely hit area of Mundakkai, rescue operations are hampered by large trees uprooted by the landslides, which have buried several houses. Heavy machinery is urgently needed to clear the debris. The Indian Army has stepped in to assist, handing over a 190-feet Bailey Bridge built over the Iruvanjippuzha river. This bridge connects the isolated regions of Chooralmala and Mundakkai.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) of Kerala issued an orange alert for Wayanad district on August 1, which remains in effect until Saturday.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan held a high-level meeting in Wayanad to assess the situation. He emphasized that rescue operations are the top priority and assured that rehabilitation efforts will commence as soon as possible. Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi and Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi visited the affected areas on Thursday. They met with residents in shelter camps and continue to stay in Wayanad to oversee relief efforts.
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