After devastating landslides struck the hilly regions near Meppadi in Wayanad district early this morning, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reported that 93 bodies have been recovered and 128 individuals are injured. The Kerala government has announced a two-day state mourning to honor the victims. The landslides, which began around 2 am and continued until 4:30 am, have left hundreds trapped in the debris.
Rescue operations are in full swing, with 200 soldiers from the Defence Security Corps and a medical team on the ground. Two helicopters from the Air Force Station in Sulur have also been dispatched to assist. Additionally, the Indian Army’s Canine Squad, featuring Belgian Malinois, Labradors, and German Shepherds trained to detect human remains and faint breaths under the mud, is set to join the efforts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, announcing an ex-gratia payment of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). Former Wayanad MP Rahul Gandhi extended his condolences and urged the Union Government to provide all necessary support for rescue and medical care, suggesting an increase in compensation for the victims’ families. Gandhi emphasized the need for immediate mapping of landslide-prone areas and measures to mitigate such disasters.
Key Updates:
- 16:50: Army dogs trained to sniff out life under mud have been deployed.
- 16:38 : Indian Army and NDRF are conducting rescue operations in Chooralmala.
- 15:59 : A landslide in Kozhikode’s high ranges has left one person missing.
- 15:25: Rahul Gandhi has communicated with Kerala CM and Defence Minister about rescue efforts.
- 15:10 : Tamil Nadu CM Stalin has dispatched a team and announced Rs 5 crore assistance.
- 14:48: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah pledges support to Kerala.
- 13:22: IMD issues a red alert for Wayanad and neighboring districts.
- 12:56: 200 soldiers and two helicopters have been deployed for rescue operations.
- 12:26: Rahul Gandhi urges increased compensation for victims.
- 12:22: Kerala opposition MPs call for Rs 5000 crore relief fund and army deployment.
- 11:52: CM Vijayan postpones events to focus on rescue efforts.
- 11:49: CM Vijayan visits Disaster Management Office to assess ongoing operations.
- 11:36: Drones, dog squads, and army engineering groups are to be deployed.
- 11:29: Minister A.K. Saseendran visits the injured in Meppady Hospital.
- 11:27: Five ministers are assigned to Wayanad to oversee relief efforts.
- 11:08: Kerala Minister Veena George states rescue efforts are ongoing and control rooms have been set up.
- 10:53: IMD warns of continued heavy rainfall in Kerala.
- 10:45: Union Home Minister Amit Shah confirms NDRF’s enhanced rescue efforts.
- 10:35: Kerala seeks military help for rescue operations.
- 10:14: Landslide devastates Mundakkai bazar, displacing many.
- 10:00 : Union Minister George Kurien assures coordinated rescue efforts.
- 09:45 : Villagers remain trapped as roads and bridges are destroyed.
